Liverpool head into the Europa League this season for the first time since Jürgen Klopp’s maiden campaign on Merseyside, when he led his new side all the way to the final in Basel.
That night saw one of the underrated goals of any European final as Daniel Sturridge hammered home with the outside of his boot from range, but ended in a comprehensive 3-1 defeat for the Reds to tournament specialists Sevilla.
By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com
Over seven years on and things have changed drastically for Liverpool, who have reached the Champions League final three times since and won it once, as well as lifting the Premier League title.
But a failure of judgment and dearth of luck last term saw Klopp’s side fall short of the top four and see them qualify for the Europa League instead – a curse for some, with the prospect of games every Thursday and Sunday a daunting one, it is however one fans should embrace.
For the players, too, it provides an opportunity to lift the only trophy Liverpool have never managed under Klopp.
And while the manager will insist his plans to “respect the competition in the right manner,” the Europa League – and group clashes with LASK, Union SG and Toulouse – will undoubtedly see rotation in his ranks.
With that in mind, here are six players who could be expected to take their opportunity in Europe’s second tier.
Ben Doak
Let’s get the obvious one out the way first.
It is an open secret now that Liverpool have a prodigious young attacker in their midst; it’s just about finding the right avenue to get him into the side.
Given Doak is up against Mohamed Salah for a place on the right flank, the fact the Reds are not in the Champions League will certainly have played into his hands in that respect.
The platform of the Europa League, which is comprised of lower-level teams but ones who still pose a real challenge, could be perfect for Doak’s direct brand of forward play.
He will terrify full-backs in weeks to come.
Ryan Gravenberch
The late summer signing of Gravenberch from Bayern Munich may have surprised or even disappointed some, given the widespread clamour for Liverpool to bring in another No. 6.
But Klopp is convinced his new man can fill that role and many more, saying prior to his debut: “He is an 8, he can play as a 10 definitely, and yes, in time, he can play as a 6.”
As with Doak, though, it is just a matter of fitting the Dutchman into the side, particularly given the form of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.
It is clear there will be a slower adjustment period for Gravenberch, but the climes of the Europa League could allow him to gain a foothold – in whichever role is deemed best.
Stefan Bajčetić
Another midfielder who finds himself on the outside looking in at this early stage of the campaign, Bajčetić broke through to become a first-choice starter midway through last season but has been sidelined through injury since March.
Back fit and clocking his first minutes back at any level for Spain U21s during the international break, the 18-year-old is now just waiting for his next chance at Liverpool.
Like with Gravenberch, the ability to shuffle his midfield pack could allow Klopp to reintroduce Bajčetić in the Europa League while resting the likes of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister.
Originally a centre-back, then converted to a No. 6, the teenager actually found his best form with Liverpool’s first team as an advanced midfielder, but his versatility could be particularly useful in Europe.
Wataru Endō
After a shaky first start in Liverpool’s eventual 2-1 win at Newcastle, in which he was brought off just before the hour mark, Klopp all but confirmed that he views Endō as a work in progress.
That is despite the experienced Japanese midfielder being among the oldest in his squad at 30, and having worn the captain’s armband at Stuttgart and for his country.
Signed for £16 million and handed a four-year contract, Endō was seemingly not a stopgap signing, and he will be relied upon this season.
The Europa League, with its varied tests and likely slower pace at times, could give him the backdrop to settle in and find his form.
Jarell Quansah
Just as fans were critical of the lack of another defensive midfield signing before deadline day, there was real scrutiny over the decision not to acquire another centre-back.
Instead, Klopp kept faith with his core of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez – and now, with injuries and suspensions already testing him, he has shown his belief in Quansah.
An outstanding full debut in the 3-1 comeback win over Wolves gave a glimpse of what the 20-year-old could offer as part of Liverpool’s defensive group.
While he will remain fifth choice for the time being, it would not be a surprise to see Quansah given more minutes against the sides from Austria, Belgium and France.
Bobby Clark
There were no shortage of suitors for Clark, an 18-year-old who can play both in midfield and attack, during the summer transfer window.
But as he looked poised to join League One side Derby on loan before the deadline, the deal fell through with it apparent that he will instead be given game time at Liverpool this season.
Klopp made that clear with the inclusion of Clark as part of his senior squad for the Europa League, despite the youngster – signed from Newcastle for up to £1.5 million in 2021 – being eligible as an under-21 player.
He is unlikely to be considered a starter in the early rounds, not least due to his absence from any first-team games so far this season, but his minutes could increase if a knockout spot is secured before the group stage is up.
(Images from IMAGO)
To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.