Conclusion
The Europa League is not the competition Liverpool had hoped for, but it does provide the club with an opportunity to give some of their younger players a chance to shine.
Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas and Darwin Nunez all stand to benefit from the increased game time the competition offers.
It is a chance for these players to prove their worth and show they can be trusted with more regular minutes in the Premier League.
By doing so, they can help Liverpool return to the Champions League at the first time of asking.
Benefits of the Europa League for Liverpool Players
Introduction
Liverpool have been absent from the Champions League since 2015/16 and their failure to reach the necessary targets means they will be competing in the Europa League this season. While this may be seen as a failure, there are a number of Reds who stand to benefit from the increased game time the competition offers. This article will look at seven players who could benefit from a season in the Europa League.
Ben Doak
17-year-old Ben Doak caught the eye in his five appearances last season and with Mohamed Salah lacking any cover on the right-wing, there is a window of opportunity for the teenager to make the next step. While starting appearances may be less likely than others on this list, he is likely to be in the squad more often than not.
Stefan Bajcetic
Before his season-ending injury, 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic was one of Liverpool’s top performing players and he will be firmly in the next for selection next season. Europe provides the ideal platform for regular minutes and with four Champions League appearances under his belt, he can certainly rise to the fore.
Calvin Ramsay
Calvin Ramsay is another Red who could find himself sent on loan, but should he stick around, the right-back may be able to find his feet on a Thursday night. Injury ended his campaign prematurely and delayed his integration into the side, a double blow that resulted in a measly 93 minutes in his first season. The Europa League provides him with an opportunity to gain much needed minutes.
Harvey Elliott
After 40 consecutive appearances, Harvey Elliott featured in only five of the last 11 matches – marginalised as Klopp changed his system. The Europa League may give him the chance to prove himself in the right-wing position, where he has already shown promise.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez can look to make this competition his own. The 26-year-old thrives on confidence and consistency and knowing he has all but guaranteed minutes will be of benefit to both him and the squad as a whole.
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas is at a crossroads, with Andy Robertson a mainstay and interest in a left-sided centre-back that can operate in the Reds’ new look this summer. Currently used as a player to give Robertson a rest, the Greek international has not carved out his place in the team and the Europa League may just give him the chance instead.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez dropped down the pecking order in the final months of last season, starting only two of a possible seven games in the 3-5-2. The Europa League may provide him with an opportunity to show what he can do, as he scored five and assisted one in seven games for Benfica in 2020/21, averaging a goal contribution every 73 minutes.
Conclusion
The Europa League is not the competition Liverpool had hoped for, but it does provide them with an opportunity to give some of their younger players a chance to shine. Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas and Darwin Nunez all stand to benefit from increased game time. It is a chance for these players to prove their worth and show they can be trusted with more regular minutes in the Premier League. By doing so, they can help Liverpool return to the Champions League at the first time of asking.