Liverpool youngster makes a point to Andoni Iraola after being overlooked for pre-season tour
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The summer can be an exciting time for youngsters at top football clubs, as they hope to get a chance to impress with the first-team.Under a new manager, that feeling can be amplified further, and it has been pleasing to see how many Liverpool talents are currently doing their best to impress Andoni Iraola in the USA.Unfortunately, though, for those who do not make the cut to be taken away on tour, the opposite feeling can arise. Which Liverpool youngster will make the biggest impact under Andoni Iraola and become a first-team member?
Four really talented young players… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Dan Isitene/James Gill/Danehouse/Liverpool FC/Nick Taylor That is where Keyrol Figueroa has sadly found himself this summer, with the 19-year-old not selected for tour despite Liverpool suffering from a real shortage at No. Lewis Koumas and Will Wright were both picked ahead of the Honduras international, which will come as a disappointment to him as he pushes for first-team recognition.But instead of sulking, Figueroa has set about showing Iraola why he deserves his shot when the Reds return back home.
On Saturday, the youngster banged in two goals for the U21s, including an acrobatic finish which deserves the Liverpool head coach‘s attention.Keyrol Figueroa underlines his credentialsLiverpool clearly have a vacancy as Alexander Isak’s back-up in 2026/27, and with Jayden Danns struggling badly for fitness, the door is slightly ajar for the likes of Koumas and Wright.Koumas has looked the more likely to take that opportunity during the US tour, but Figueroa has been one of the most prolific young players for the Reds in recent years, and he should be in the conversation to a degree as well.READ MORE: Liverpool’s pre-season predicted XI vs Leeds as Andoni Iraola takes a look at exciting duoTwo goals against Cardiff City U21s illustrated that nicely, including the scoring of a stunning effort to reduce the deficit in the second-half.With Liverpool 4-1 down, a cross from the right found its way to Figueroa at the back post. Iraola has already shown that he is a coach who will take note of what is happening at academy level, and, though he will be focused on the youngsters at his disposal in the US, this was something special back on home turf.Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesOne more youngster sends reminder to IraolaWith three friendlies still to come when Liverpool return home from across the Atlantic, including a behind-closed-doors clash with Como, there is scope for Iraola to take a closer look at Figueroa.But while the Spaniard should take as many options into consideration as possible in Liverpool’s forward line, he should also be thinking long and hard about the defence.Liverpool clearly need more than they currently have at the back, and though Mor Talla Ndiaye is one young player who can help out, and Luke Chambers has shown that he could be another, Iraola should also be keeping an eye on Wellity Lucky.Lucky has been out injured since January, but finally made his return during Saturday’s U21s match, and it should not be forgotten how highly rated the Spaniard is.Capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, Lucky could be an option for Iraola, having made his senior debut during October’s Carabao Cup defeat against Crystal Palace.