Oakley Cannonier, the promising Liverpool striker, has finally returned to the pitch after a six-month absence and a string of injuries that have limited his playing time to just 18 games in the past two seasons. The 20-year-old initially made a name for himself as a prolific scorer for Liverpool U18s but has struggled to replicate that success since moving up to the U21s.
In the 2021/22 season, Cannonier impressively scored 31 goals in 28 games for the young Reds. However, his goal-scoring prowess diminished significantly in the following season, as he only managed to find the back of the net three times in 18 appearances due to ongoing fitness issues. His last competitive match for the club was in January, where he started in a 3-1 loss to Athletic Club B but was forced off at halftime and subsequently missed the rest of the campaign.
Fortunately, Cannonier made a long-awaited return to action in Liverpool U21s’ recent pre-season friendly against Chorley. He featured in the starting lineup alongside Tom Hill and James Norris, playing the first half of the match before being substituted as part of a planned change. This appearance is a positive step forward for Cannonier, who is now focused on rebuilding his fitness and regaining his sharpness.
Despite turning 20 in May and being one of the oldest players in the squad, it is likely that Cannonier will continue to be part of the U21s team for the upcoming season. The medical staff is being cautious not to overload him during his recovery process. However, time is still on Cannonier’s side as he works towards making the transition to senior football.
While U21s coach Barry Lewtas has a strong attacking lineup at his disposal, it is unlikely that players like Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, and Jayden Danns will feature regularly at the academy level. Loan moves are being considered for these three players, with the club already receiving interest from potential suitors. Additionally, Lewis Koumas and Harvey Blair are currently with the first team on their pre-season tour, and Liverpool is likely to seek senior football opportunities for them this summer.
This leaves a group of young talents, including Kieran Morrison, Trent Kone-Doherty, and Keyrol Figueroa, alongside Cannonier’s fellow U21 teammate Ranel Young, who is also 18 years old. Cannonier, with his previous experience and maturity, could serve as a guiding presence among this youthful group. Once he proves his fitness and regains his form, the possibility of a move in January may arise, depending on the circumstances of those around him.
For now, the most important aspect for Cannonier is his return to the pitch. After enduring a lengthy period of absence, he can now focus on making up for lost time and proving himself once again as a talented striker for Liverpool.