Liverpool already have their next Ryan Gravenberch lined up after what 'clever' star did | OneFootball

Liverpool have many talented players among their ranks at the moment.

From their academy teams all the way up to their senior squad, the Anfield outfit undoubtedly have some of the most exciting players in the Premier League.

Indeed, a lot of them have spent plenty of time on the sidelines due to injury but, on their day, the Anfield outfit can beat any team.

Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are just a few names that come to mind when thinking about who's been in form for Liverpool over the last few weeks.

Their recent run of performances may have been impressive but, that doesn't mean that they're not exploring the market for ways to bolster their ranks.

However, rather than spending an ungodly amount of money on certain positions, Slot could look towards his academy and potentially save the club millions, especially after what one youngster has done away from Anfield.

Luca Stephenson was handed the captains armband by Dundee United on Saturday

Several of Liverpool's best prospects were allowed to exit L4 on loan this summer.

Players such as Luca Stephenson, Lewis Koumas and Viteslav Jaros were just some exits that Liverpool sanctioned in order to get them all some more playing experience.

Although some moves may have flopped, Stephenson has been adored by Dundee United this term, with the 22-year-old making 28 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish club.

During that time he's also managed to contribute to seven goals across all competitions and, during their 2-0 defeat against Motherwell on Saturday, the Liverpool loanee was handed the captains armband by Jim Goodwin.

This came as a massive shock, especially since there were several more senior players among Goodwin's rank, however, it does prove how good Stephenson actually is and it also outlines how much of an asset he could become to Slot in the future.

Liverpool won't need a defensive midfielder if Luca Stephenson can become the backup to Ryan Gravenberch

Even though Stephenson is still young, it's clear that he has plenty of potential to fulfil.

The Englishman is playing ahead of his years and, if his development continues going this way for the next few months, he could be pushing for a place in Arne Slot's team.

The youngster would be classed as homegrown and would even allow Liverpool to have another player to take into the Champions League due to his homegrown at club status.

Of course, the Premier League is a massive jump from the Scottish Premiership but, if he manages to impress in pre-season, Slot could have his next Gravenberch ready and waiting.

There's still time for things to go up in the air for Stephenson but, with how quickly he's progressed this season and how much "clever" he actually is, there's a good chance that Liverpool fans could see him in their starting XI next season.

That is, especially if the Anfield outfit don't want to spend an arm and a leg on someone such as Adam Wharton this summer.