How Liverpool’s 7 FM24 wonderkids have developed IRL in 2023-24

Liverpool have enjoyed an eye-catching start to the 2023-24 campaign and several of their youngsters have proven their worth to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The German boss has a good track record when it comes to developing youngsters and this year has been no different. Whether out on loan or in the first team squad, Liverpool fans have plenty of rising stars to get excited about right now.

We’ve gone through Liverpool’s seven wonderkids on Football Manager 2024 and have assessed how they are developing and progressing in real life.

Luke Chambers

Klopp confirmed that there was plenty of interest in Chambers over the summer, but he didn’t hesitate to keep the 19-year-old around the first team.

The left-back was handed his senior Liverpool debut against Leicester in the EFL Cup and he has since featured in two of the Reds Europa League matches. Following his debut, Chambers revealed what advice Klopp gave him.

“He just said to enjoy it. He said there was no pressure, just go out and play how I usually play,” Chambers revealed.

“I’ve dreamt of that moment since I was six years old. I’ve come through the ranks of the Academy, and as a boy growing up, going through the Academy, that’s your dream. It feels really good!”

Conor Bradley

Bradley enjoyed a tremendous loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last season where he chipped in with 10 goal contributions for the League One outfit.

The full-back did have to contend with an injury set-back over the summer and he’s been gradually eased back into the picture since. Bradley made his return to action in the Europa League last month, coming on as a late substitute against LASK.

There’s no doubt that Bradley has an incredibly high ceiling and his former Bolton teammate Dion Charles thinks the sky is the limit for the Liverpool youngster.

“Conor is incredible. He can go as far as he wants,” Charles told BBC Sport. “That kid has everything, he’s intelligent, such a good player.

“The biggest thing about his mentality is he wants to learn, he wants to get better, so when he’s back fit it will be interesting to see not if, but when, he gets in the Liverpool team.”

Harvey Elliott

The 20-year-old has been utilised as a super-sub in the Premier League this season. Of his 13 league appearances, 12 of them have come from the bench, with him often being relied upon to increase the energy towards the end of games.

Elliott came up clutch in Liverpool’s recent clash with Crystal Palace as he was on target with a superb effort to wrap up all three points. The next step for him – you’d think – will be to nail down a consistent starting spot.

PURE CLASS! ✨

Harvey Elliott scores a wonderful goal to put Liverpool ahead 💥

What a goal! 👏 pic.twitter.com/s19ttdO9P9

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 9, 2023

Stefan Bajcetic

The midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Reds last time around, but he’s not had much action this season due to injury. Bajcetic has featured in the Europa League and League Cup but is currently recovering from a fresh injury setback.

“No, we don’t know [when he will be back],” Klopp told reporters in November. “With Stefan it’s, again, one of these things. Stefan’s quality, potential, talent, everybody could see and it’s incredible – what a player – but the body was not ready yet.

“They are still growing these boys and they are all different; we have other players with a different, what is it, skeleton, a different body where OK that’s fine and for other players it is a bit too early.

“We just have to put the break on again and just wait until that’s all fine. Then Liverpool FC has a wonderful player to use, but there is absolutely no time that we can put on that and we will not. We just have to wait.”

Ben Doak

The Scottish winger is arguably Liverpool’s most exciting young prospect right now. Klopp has handed the teenager a handful of opportunities so far as he’s made appearances in the Premier League, Europa League and EFL Cup.

Doak will get the chance to learn some tips and tricks from Mohamed Salah and the 18-year-old seems to be enjoying life being in and around the first team.

“I’m enjoying just being around it, to be honest,” Doak told the club website. “I think anyone of my age is lucky to be in and around it. I’m just trying to look for minutes when I can get them.

“Three, four years ago, I couldn’t have imagined being here and being in and around it as much as I have been. When you’re in the moment, it’s fine and you’re just playing football, enjoying yourself.”

Kaide Gordon

The 19-year-old hasn’t played much football of late due to injury, but he is thankfully on the road to recovery. He made his return to action in October for Liverpool U21s and has been steadily progressing since.

Bobby Clark

Reds reportedly blocked a loan move for the teenager in the summer as Klopp wanted to keep the youngster around the senior squad. There’s clearly a lot to like about Clark, but the youngster has endured a somewhat frustrating season so far.

The 18-year-old has been out injured since October and isn’t expected to return until the new year. Fingers crossed he manages to come back even stronger.

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