Sheyi Ojo
While some players improve gradually, others can look ordinary at one stage of their development, yet extra-ordinary a short time later much like Sheyi Ojo. While his dribbling and first touch were never in doubt, he is at times frustrating to watch. He would pass when he should shoot, he would shoot when he should pass, and he would dribble past a defender when he should lay the ball off. Decision making is something that young players often lack and so did Ojo. However, this season he has seen a different Ojo. He is physically stronger than last year, in fact he is very strong for his age. He chases back to defend and now knows when to dribble and when to pass and when to shoot.
While calling him the next Raheem Sterling would be a far cry as the current situation is concerned Ojo does remind Reds of a certain Jordan Ibe who had a few fleeting appearances for the first team and is now doing well on loan for Derby County in the Championship. A loan move is proving to be vital for a young player like Ibe in order to help improve the weaker parts of their game and build his confidence and so would it help young Ojo. It is only a matter of time before Ojo gets a chance with the first team or is sent out on loan.
Lazar Markovic
Liverpool fans tend to over-look the fact that young Lazar Markovic is only a few months older than Raheem Sterling and has moved to 3 different countries in his short career. Quite visibly struggling to settle into life in England, a move away on loan to a fellow Premier League side to gain some experience and get some game time under his belt might just do the young Serb a world of good. Blessed with searing pace and ruthless directness, Lazar has got the tools to be a very effective winger. However, the 20 year old is yet to come to terms with the physicality of the Premier League. A loan move to the likes of Sunderland or some similar club will help Markovic develop as a player in England.
Jordan Rossiter
Anyone who is keeping an eye on the Liverpool U-21 or U-18 games will be raving about this local lad who plays in central midfield and has all the makings of one Steven Gerrard. Rossiter is a holding midfielder with the attributes and temperament to play much higher up the pitch. The Liverpool-born youngster has already made his first-team debut. A loan move out to seek some first-team action might just prepare Rossiter for the rigours of the Premier League in the future. Much like David Beckham’s loan move to Preston North End, a loan move for Rossiter might do both the player and the club a world of good.