We look at three Liverpool stars set for a Premier League breakout in 2017.
Marco Grujic
Hopeful of a breakthrough in 2017, Marco Grujic signed for Liverpool at the start of last year’s January transfer window – after the then 19-year-old midfielder signed on for a substantial fee from boyhood club Red Star Belgrade. However, the three time Serbian capped Grujic did not join up with his Anfield team mates until this pre-season.
Since arriving on Merseyside, Grujic has made three appearances for Liverpool’s first team and has shown glimpses of why the 6ft 3in midfielder is so highly rated at Melwood.
One of Europe’s most sought after talents, Grujic has been praised for his skills and shooting ability and has even been likened to Steven Gerrard, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
Box-to-box midfielder Grujic has represented his country at every level from under 16 through to the senior team – and was part of the triumphant Serbian side that won the Under-20 World Cup in 2015.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
If current first choice right back Nathaniel Clyne ever finds himself absent in 2017, then Trent Alexander-Arnold is a more than capable Liverpool replacement.
Alexander-Arnold originally tasted first team action for Liverpool during the 2015-16 pre-season, as then manager Brendan Rodgers selected the athletic player for a friendly against Swindon Town.
However, it wasn’t until October 2016 that Alexander-Arnold made his competitive debut for Liverpool, which came against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. His performance at right back received praise from former Liverpool great Graeme Souness on Sky Sports.
Alexander-Arnold, who can play in midfield or defence, has gained valuable international exposure and success with England from under-16 through to under-19 level, where the Liverpool prospect currently has four goals in six under-19 appearances.
Ovie Ejaria
Aside from Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria is perhaps the most recent academy player closest to making the breakthrough to Jurgen Klopp’s first team plans in 2017. The 18-year-old was signed to the academy from Arsenal in the summer of 2014, and made his first Premier League appearance in Liverpool’s recent 6-1 demolition of Watford.
Ejaria made his first start for Liverpool in the same cup match as Alexander-Arnold; the EFL Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham Hotspur in October – impressing with a strong, energetic and intelligent display.
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