With the title wrapped up and games to spare, will we get to see Ki-Jana Hoever make his Premier League debut?
While Jurgen Klopp has stressed that he won’t be giving games away ‘like sweets’, surely the end of the season is the ideal time to hand some game time to players who wouldn’t usually get a look in.
One possible name who could get a chance to impress is Ki-Jana Hoever.
He’s already experienced cup competitions
While he hasn’t yet been exposed to the Premier League, Hoever became the youngest ever Liverpool player in the FA Cup when he replaced an injured Dejan Lovren against Wolves in January 2019.
The Dutch centre-back also played in the EFL Cup and found the net against MK Dons at the age of 17 years, eight months and 10 days, making him the fourth youngest ever Liverpool scorer.
Hoever’s versatility provides options
The ex-Ajax man is naturally a centre-back, but he has a decent turn of pace and can also play at right-back.
Furthermore, he made his Liverpool U-23s debut against Everton on the right-hand side of midfield and won praise from boss Neil Critchley, before switching to right-back where he was dominant in a 4-1 win over Arsenal.
Hoever has won silverware
The 18-year-old was part of the Netherlands squad which won the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
In fact, Hoever provided the assist for the Dutch side’s second goal in a 4-2 final victory over Italy, as he hit the post with a free-kick.
Gap could open up in the middle
While Neco Williams has emerged as a strong right-back contender, Hoever may still find opportunities in the centre of the Liverpool defence.
Joel Matip is out for the season, leaving just Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren available.
It may be sensible for Klopp to test out Hoever under little pressure, especially with Lovren being widely tipped for a move to Roma by sources such as the Liverpool Echo.
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