Revamping Reds: Klopp’s New Look Against West Ham? | OneFootball

Is It Time for Liverpool’s Young Stars to Shine?

If the senior stars aren’t demonstrating the required hunger, then there’s only one place to go. As the Premier League season and Jurgen Klopp enter the final phase, the selection decisions at Anfield are under the microscope. With West Ham on the horizon, it’s time to shine a light on the rising stars and question the form of established names. No one will bat an eyelid if youngsters are given a chance to prove what they can do in this one.

Photo: IMAGO

Rising from the Ranks: Why Youth Deserves a Chance

Jayden Danns’ name has been simmering on supporters’ lips, eagerly awaiting his injection of vitality into a forward that looks laboured at best. Jurgen Klopp’s protectiveness over Danns against Everton was clear: “That’s not a game for an 18-year-old boy. Tarkowski and Branthwaite kill you in these situations and don’t help.” However, on a bigger pitch and without the white-hot derby atmosphere against West Ham could be the proving ground Danns needs. Think of his finish against Southampton and what the senior forwards have been serving up recently.

Harvey Elliott’s burgeoning reputation as a playmaker can’t be overlooked. With an impressive seven assists in 18 games since February 1st, only Kevin De Bruyne eclipses him. This stat alone should pencil Elliott’s name into the starting XI, as creativity has been an area where the Reds lack spark. Jones and Szoboszlai have looked like a fraction of the players they were earlier in the season, and Mac Allister seems shot. Elliott got the assist vs Fulham and deserved a run based on what we’re seeing.

Assessing Form and Fitness

Speaking of runs, this is an easy one. In defence, Ibrahima Konate’s last performance drew warranted criticism from many, with punditry stalwart and former red Mark Lawrenson remarking, “I was surprised by Konate last night because he does like a fight and it’s right up his street, but he seemed to wither and die a bit, to be honest, and it left Van Dijk holding the fort.” This honesty from Lawrenson won’t be the nudge for Klopp to allow Jarrell Quansah to shore up the backline. He knew what he saw with his own eyes, and the substitution was zero surprise. Konate has been poor along with his colleagues for a while now.

Forward Thinking: Nunez’s Stumbling Block

Danns and Elliott’s possible chance comes at a time when more seasoned players, such as Konate, Salah and Darwin Nunez, have not quite hit the heights expected. Klopp’s admission hints at the broader team issues: “A lot of things come together. It’s not great timing, and I admit that.” Liverpool’s frontline needs to rediscover their potency, and trusting in youth may be the catalyst required. It would be great to see the Salah and Nunez of earlier in the season, but they look miles off it right now.

Right Time for Changes

As Klopp poignantly states, “We should better start winning again.” The urgency is palpable, and with Danns, Elliott, and Quansah showing promise, rotation seems sensible and necessary. As they prepare to face West Ham, it’s time for Liverpool to tap into the well of youthful exuberance and shake off the fatigue that has crept into their game. The rotation worked against Fulham, and it would be no surprise to see Gravenberch and Gakpo back in the lineup. Fresh legs and imperious and youthful exuberance are just what the Reds need right now. Famous last words, but how could it be any worse than Wednesday?