There has been a lot of legitimate criticism of Arne Slaughter this season, but there’s one thing the Dutchman got right.
Since arriving at Anfield, Slott has continued to integrate the club’s academy prospects into the first-team squad – to incredible effect under Jurgen Klopp.
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Several academy players regularly attend Slott’s training sessions and are on the bench for first-team games.
Leo Ngumoha is the best example of this, with the 17-year-old making a number of cameo appearances off the bench before becoming a regular starter for the Reds in recent weeks.
Now it’s time for Slott to give another wonder kid a chance and he must do just that against Brentford on Sunday.
Will Wright needs to face Brentford
One of Liverpool’s most exciting prospects, Will Wright, joined from Salford City at the start of the season.
The Englishman is yet to make his first-team debut but has been a key player for the Reds’ U21 side since January.
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The striker missed some time due to injury but scored four goals and provided five assists in the final 10 games of the second Premier League season.
The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute on Slaughter’s bench four times and his debut against Brentford was crucial.
Hugo Ekitic is expected to be ruled out until around Christmas with injury, while Alexander Isak has struggled to stay fit, meaning the Reds may need an extra striker ahead of next season.
Wright could be that striker, but he hasn’t had a chance to prove himself in the first team yet.
Slott needs to give the teenager his debut against Brentford so the club can get a better idea of ​​his readiness for the senior team.
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The striker will also have time to showcase his qualities in pre-season and the first few games of next season before Liverpool sign another striker, but making his debut against Brentford will make it clear to Richard Hughes and his team-mates that he is ready.
Slott needs to give Wright a chance before the summer and the Brentford game is his last chance.
