Liverpool’s recent friendly against Preston provided valuable insights into the players who were not involved in the match, particularly 21-year-old Dominic Corness. The match, although resulting in a 1-0 loss for the Reds, was considered a productive exercise in their pre-season preparations.
During the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot utilized 25 players, giving many of them their first 45 minutes on the pitch. This included several academy youngsters who had the opportunity to showcase their skills. This demonstrates the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with valuable experience.
However, one player who was notably absent from the squad was midfielder Dominic Corness. Despite starting pre-season as part of the senior ranks, Corness has since dropped out and is believed to have returned to training with the U21s. Last season, he spent time on loan with Swiss side Yverdon-Sport, suggesting that he may not remain with the academy side for the upcoming campaign.
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle suggests that another loan move is likely for Corness, who turned 21 in May. While no clubs have been linked with him yet, it is reasonable to assume that Yverdon-Sport was not the only club interested in him last summer. Therefore, a move to a Football League club closer to home could be the next step in his development. This would follow the path taken by other young Liverpool players such as Conor Bradley, Tyler Morton, and Jarell Quansah.
Corness himself reflected on his time in Switzerland and shared his plans for the summer ahead in an interview with the Liverpool Echo in April. He expressed his belief that he has developed as a player during his time overseas and hoped to continue developing upon his return to Liverpool. His main goal for the rest of the season was to play as many games as possible and impress the new manager or seize any opportunities that come his way.
Despite his potential, Corness’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain, much like other players caught between the academy and the first team. Tom Hill, James Norris, Rhys Williams, and Billy Koumetio are all in a similar position, facing the challenge of transitioning from the academy to the senior squad. It will be interesting to see how the club manages these young talents and whether they will be given opportunities to showcase their abilities in competitive matches.