Harvey Blair, the 20-year-old winger, is getting an extended opportunity to prove himself during Liverpool’s pre-season. Under new head coach Arne Slot, the team is currently in their first pre-season training camp and has welcomed back players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson. In the coming weeks, more key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson will join the squad. However, for now, Slot is focusing on assessing the potential of several young players, including academy winger Blair.
While some of the other youngsters have returned to the youth ranks for pre-season, Blair has remained with the first team. This is a promising sign for the young winger, especially considering that Slot is missing most of his senior forwards. It suggests that Blair has made a positive impression on the coaching staff and deserves the opportunity to train with the first team.
Blair’s commitment and dedication have been evident as he continues to train with the squad. He was spotted at the AXA Training Centre alongside Szoboszlai, Robertson, and Vitezslav Jaros. With players like Gakpo, Nunez, and Diaz expected to miss out on the United States tour, Blair could be among those who travel with the team.
It’s worth noting that Blair made his surprise debut for Liverpool’s first team almost three years ago, when he was just 18 years old. He started in the Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Preston in October 2021. Although he hasn’t had many opportunities since then, mainly due to unfortunate injuries at the academy level, Blair’s potential has not gone unnoticed.
Last summer, Blair attracted interest from clubs in England and Scotland for a potential loan move. However, a meniscus tear and subsequent surgery prevented him from making a move. Despite further interest in January from clubs in Denmark and Belgium, ongoing fitness concerns kept him at Liverpool. This summer, Blair is likely to have suitors again, but there’s also a chance that his impressive attacking style could earn him a surprise place in Slot’s plans.
Overall, Blair’s inclusion in Liverpool’s pre-season training with the first team indicates that he is highly regarded by the coaching staff. While he has faced setbacks due to injuries, his talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. It will be interesting to see if he can make a strong impression during pre-season and potentially secure a more prominent role within the squad for the upcoming season.