There have been very few reasons to be disappointed with anything going on at Liverpool this season.
The Reds have been exceptional for the most part, clambering to the top of the Premier League and Champions League with relative ease.
Plenty in the Liverpool squad have been improved and rejuvenated under Arne Slot and the Reds look on course for silverware in 2025.
However, if there could be one grip for Liverpool supporters about Slot’s time with their club so far, it could perhaps be that the Dutchman has in large part ignored the promising youngsters at his disposal.
Last year, under Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool academy took centre-stage as the Reds won the Carabao Cup with a number of teenagers on the pitch.
But while those same youngsters have seen their chances more limited this time around, Slot is now reportedly ready to give a couple of them more substantial minutes.
James McConnell and Jayden Danns ready for chance
To be fair to Slot, he has still been keen to play Conor Bradley – perhaps the biggest breakout star of last season.
Jarell Quansah is set for a chance as well after injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
Beyond those two, however, opportunities have been hard to come by for the rest of ‘Klopp’s kids’.
Injury has played a part in that too, it must be said, and that has been the case for two players who The Daily Mail suggest could be about to get some game time: Jayden Danns and James McConnell.
Beyond those two, however, opportunities have been hard to come by for the rest of ‘Klopp’s kids’.
Injury has played a part in that too, it must be said, and that has been the case for two players who The Daily Mail suggest could be about to get some game time: Jayden Danns and James McConnell.
Danns and McConnell both got their first outing of the season against Southampton recently, playing four and 27 minutes respectively.
And according to The Mail, Liverpool think the duo are both ready to play regular football. This could reportedly lead to Danns and McConnell getting their chance in the upcoming FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley.
Could Danns and McConnell be sent on-loan?
Although Danns and McConnell are clearly highly rated at Anfield and look set for some game time in the cup, The Mail also report that loan moves for both could still happen in January.
Danns has reportedly been ‘mooted’ as an option for Derby County, while it’s claimed that McConnell may be targeted by Blackburn Rovers.
Slot looks like he’ll run the rule over them before then against Accrington, but that will be more with a view to what happens next season.
After frustrating periods out injured, loans certainly look like the best way forward for both Danns and McConnell.
The pair could certainly have a future in the Liverpool first-team, but more regular football lower down the pyramid sounds like a good idea for now. First, though, it’ll be good to see them in action later this month against Accrington.