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With Liverpool spending the summer building out a two-deep squad in preparation for their return to the Champions League, many have begun to wonder if the club's newfound depth would mean fewer chances for promising youngsters to break through. Despite that, Brendan Rodgers insists there will still be chances for academy kids at Liverpool going forward.
"I don't think it's more difficult for young players here now," said the manager. "In fact I think there will never be a greater chance if you have the responsibility and if you have the talent. Young players will never have a better opportunity at any club than at Liverpool. New players coming in here won't stand in their way. If a young player is performing he will play.
Not every youngster might agree, as despite that the club have offered a new deal, 20-year-old Suso appears set on heading to Italy in search of easier playing time rather than fighting for his place in an increasingly strong Champions League squad. Still, for those who stay and fight, Rodgers believes the chance will come—as they did last year for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan.
"The dynamics of the group and the whole club have changed now but that doesn't make the opportunity any less for the young player," said Rodgers. "Look at Raheem and what he's achieved since he broke into the side. He's only 19 but is maintaining his place. If other players here have that same quality then they will play.
"Javier Manquillo is only 20, but after arriving here he went straight into the team because he showed up so well in training and in the Borussia Dortmund game. He will feature heavily for us this season. It's never about the age for me, it's about the talent and the commitment to playing."
