Liverpool’s season may not quite officially be over, but there’s really nothing much left to play for.
Having blown a very good shot at both a Premier League and Europa League title, as well as an FA Cup recently, the Reds are limping to the finish.
Jurgen Klopp’s finale at Liverpool had promised so much just a few short weeks ago. But they’ve thrown it all away. There will be no fairy-tale Anfield ending for Klopp.
Matters were pleasingly made even more meaningless on Thursday night, as Chelsea’s win over Tottenham Hotspur guaranteed Liverpool a place in next season’s Champions League.
In reality, it means that the Reds game against Tottenham on Sunday is now very much a damp squib. As a result, we’d like to see Klopp give some of the academy boys a run out. And judging by a clip released on LFCTV’s Inside Training, one youngster looks primed to play.
Kaide Gordon should start against Tottenham
Klopp has been brilliant at handing young players game time throughout his time at Liverpool. But the manager has ramped things up a notch in 2023/24.
Of course it helps that the talent coming through is better than ever and also injury issues in the first-team squad have opened up spaces. But still, Jurgen has been brave.
In that landscape, one of the players who has perhaps been unlucky not to play more has been Kaide Gordon.
The 19-year-old has still been contending with his own fitness problems, but with Liverpool’s forward-line misfiring, we think he has been a little underutilised.
No matter though, because with nothing on the line, there’s still time for Gordon to be involved. And in Thursday’s session the youngster looked full of beans.
Demanding the ball from Alexis Mac Allister, Gordon showed a willingness to attack his defender with pace and verve. We haven’t seen that enough from Liverpool’s attack of late. As others ambled towards the end of the season around him, Kaide was seen giving it beans. Good man.
What does the future hold for Kaide Gordon
While the news that Mohamed Salah is likely to stay at Liverpool is brilliant, not everyone will end up benefitting from it.
A left-footer, Gordon has often been used on the Reds’ right when he’s played, very much in the ‘Salah role.’
With Mo sticking about and Liverpool rumoured to be bringing in another wide player too, you get the feeling that Kaide may need to leave for more game time.
Of course, Slot coming in gives a fresh start for everyone and Gordon should do his best to make the most of that. He’s been described as ‘phenomenal’ for his U21 performances this season and he certainly has the talent to make it at Liverpool.
But if opportunities aren’t forthcoming, then Gordon should be heading out on-loan. He’s already missed enough football as it is. Hopefully this weekend’s game will send a reminder that Liverpool have a top talent right under their nose. Use him, Jurgen!