Arne Slot to Hand Two Liverpool Youngsters Huge Opportunity This Summer – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool Duo Set for Crucial Pre-Season Under Arne Slot

Fresh from delivering Liverpool’s first Premier League title since 2020, Arne Slot is already laying the groundwork for his second season in charge. As reported by Lewis Bower on Anfield Index’s Academy Podcast with Ben Pescod, the Dutchman is keeping a particularly close eye on two academy graduates: Ben Doak and Owen Beck.

“Ben Doak is so exciting and he has done well out on loan at Middlesbrough this season,” said Bower, giving voice to a growing sense of anticipation around the Scotland international. The winger’s time at the Riverside was productive, showcasing his direct running, pace, and technical sharpness that clearly caught Slot’s attention.

Likewise, Owen Beck—who spent 2024/25 on loan at Blackburn Rovers—could find himself in line for a step up. “We could potentially see Owen Beck get an opportunity in the squad due to the struggles at left-back,” Bower noted. Given Liverpool’s injury issues and lack of consistent output from the position last season, Beck’s emergence could offer a timely solution.

Only Two Youth Players Flagged for Detailed Reports

Perhaps most telling is this insight shared by Bower: “I was told that Slot only personally asked for two players to be reported back to him in depth.” That fact alone underlines the esteem in which Doak and Beck are held.

In his early days at the club, Slot was reportedly left underwhelmed by the level of some of the youth prospects: “There was talk last summer that he was a bit disappointed with the level of some of the youngsters when he first arrived.” However, that sentiment may now be shifting.

There’s a renewed sense of discipline and opportunity around Liverpool’s training ground. With Slot now more settled, the message to the academy seems clear: perform and you’ll be rewarded. “Hopefully that can be a lesson to some of those players and they can hit the ground running this season,” Bower added.

Photo: IMAGO

Pre-Season Will Be Pivotal

Both Doak and Beck will get their chance to impress in pre-season. Slot, known for his methodical approach and commitment to fluid, high-tempo football, is unlikely to make hasty decisions. “Both Doak and Beck will get a chance in pre-season before any decisions are made, but there will be heavy interest in both players,” Bower confirmed.

That interest, particularly from Championship clubs and some lower-end Premier League sides, will give Liverpool flexibility. Yet, if either player catches fire during pre-season, Slot might be persuaded to keep them around—especially with European and domestic cup commitments requiring squad depth.

Young Talent Must Rise to the Challenge

Slot’s strategy so far has centred around balancing world-class talent with a fresh injection of youth. With the club back at the summit of English football, the pressure will be immense, and only those who can handle it will be trusted.

The selection of Doak and Beck for closer inspection is a huge vote of confidence. It suggests that Slot sees them as more than just potential squad fillers—they are players who could, in the right environment, develop into contributors in Liverpool’s ongoing resurgence.

With title ambitions reaffirmed and expectations reset, this summer is a sliding door moment for both youngsters. Slot’s Liverpool is evolving. Those who show hunger, tactical intelligence, and the right mentality will be part of it.