Liverpool made very good use of their academy during Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge.
The Reds have often failed to fully get the best out of their youth teams over the last couple of decades.
That all changed under Klopp and as the German ploughed towards the end of his time at Anfield, he appeared to get even bolder in his decisions with young players.
Jarell Quansah was undoubtedly the star of the show for Liverpool. The 21-year-old came out of virtually nowhere to play 33 times, do incredibly well and make the provisional England squad for Euro 2024.
As the Reds were looking for a new centre-back signing last summer, there’s little question that Quansah saved the Liverpool owners millions and millions in a transfer fee and wages 12 months ago.
Owen Beck can be Liverpool’s new Jarell Quansah
Quansah’s value may well stretch into this season. Although Joel Matip has left Anfield, Liverpool still have four centre-backs in the first-team squad. They may not make a defensive signing once again.
That would likely mean that the academy graduate is bumped up to third choice next season, but you wouldn’t find too many fans who would be uncomfortable with that at this stage.
We still feel Liverpool will bring in a new centre-back to compete with Quansah and co, but it’s certain that the youngster has already saved the Reds millions.
And as they look at the market this summer, Liverpool would be wise to remember that young players in the academy are there to supplement the first-team.
READ MORE: No one is talking about Liverpool academy star who could play a big role under Arne Slot
Regardless, rumours came through on Thursday that the Reds are pushing hard to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait Nouri.
Ait Nouri would no doubt be a decent arrival for Liverpool. With Kostas Tsimikas’ future at the club in doubt, the 23-year-old could play back-up to Andy Robertson before the Scot’s years catch up to him.
Seven years younger than Robertson, Ait Nouri could hone his craft before taking over from the legendary left-back somewhere down the line.
However, there have been reports in the past that the Wolves man could cost a whopping £60m. For that kind of price, Liverpool would be better off ‘doing a Quansah’ and promoting a young talent much closer to home: Owen Beck.
Liverpool should promote Owen Beck
Beck had a superb season on-loan at Dundee last year. The 21-year-old was excellent. As a result, there have already been suggestions that Arne Slot will look to promote Beck to the senior side.
If the Welshman can draw some parallels with Quansah, then there are perhaps even more likenesses with Conor Bradley.
As Pep Lijnders pointed out in January, Beck and Bradley dominated the Liverpool youth teams playing on either side of the defence. Jurgen Klopp went further, describing Beck as a ‘super talent’ [Manchester Evening News].
With bundles of energy, pace and drive, the two young full-backs really do appear to be similar players. And just look at what Bradley did in the first-team when given the chance.
Now 21, Beck is at the right age to be given an opportunity as Robertson’s No.2. Liverpool have to at least try him out before blowing a big fee on someone like Ait Nouri.
Hopefully pre-season will give Slot that chance to run the rule over Beck. If he likes what he sees, it could save Liverpool another big chunk of cash.