Liverpool’s poorly planned Transfer Window saw the departure of Andy Carrol on loan but at the same time no striker arrived in compensation. So manager Brendan Rodgers believes there could be a huge advantage to some of their youngsters especially Spanish Wonder-kid Suso. The youngster who has been tipped for great things by former boss Rafa Benitez is expected to get his shot with the first team in the coming months. He impressed on Liverpool’s United States tour this summer as well as for Spain’s Under 19 side. Rodgers admitted he may be used in the Premier League as his squad is short on numbers whilst other players such as Adam Morgan and Samed Yesil should aim for a first team shout as well.
Youngsters Adam Morgan and Samed Yesil will get more chance – Rodgers
Suso was the only new player Rodgers name-checked and though the 18-year-old, signed by Rafael Benitez from Cadiz in 2010, proved himself on the club’s United states pre-season tour and was tipped by Benitez as one to watch earlier this summer, he is yet to make his first senior competitive appearance.
“There might need to be an intermediary way of working now,” Rodgers said. “Boys like Suso will get their opportunity. The percentage under 21s playing in the Premier League is statistically very, very small. We are going to be stretched to the limit and [we’ll be telling them] ‘if you’ve got little niggles and injuries you’ve got to man up.’ We’ve got to be together and be strong.
“This [situation] will allow guys to stand up to the plate. You get an opportunity but you have got to take it.” Rodgers also signed 18-year-old German striker Samed Yesil from Bayer Leverkusen, this summer. Sterling also seems destined to feature prominently. Rodgers said that his need to censure him a few times – “I got into him a couple of times [and said] ‘come on my friend'” – had prompted an excellent reaction, leaving the manager convinced that he will take on responsibility. “The younger players will run through a barbed wire fence for you,” Rodgers said. “The older players will look for a hole in the fence – and probably find one!”
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