Could this match be the making of some players?

When I read the squad that was heading out to Macedonia to play FK Rabotnicki I was somewhat surprised. Certainly I had advocated that the match could be an opportunity for some of Liverpool’s young guns to shine but I didn’t actually expect Roy to go out and do it. So in many respects it was a pleasant surprise to see players like Amoo, Ince and Dalla Valle named in the squad, it will not only boost their confidence levels at being included but it will also provide them with a stern test in a difficult atmosphere.

Of course, the young nature of the squad was kind of forced on Hodgson because of the lack of fitness work many of the senior players have done since returning from holiday. Dr Peter Brukner and his Sports Science team had insisted it would be unwise to use the World Cup stars too early on from their return, and Roy has clearly heeded their advice, after taking into consideration the many more important matches later in the season when injuries could be a problem because of such an early start to the campaign.

Still, it would still appear to be a brave decision. No new manager will want to lose their first competitive match, and I have already read a couple of articles that have not only criticised Roy’s first two meaningless friendly matches but also stated that the Rabotnicki match would be a disaster to lose. In my opinion though, the stakes aren’t that high, although if I was a Liverpool supporter travelling out to watch them, I would surely want to see a side playing who were almost certain of coming away with a victory.

With the players in the squad though, Reds fans should not be too concerned of any upset. Alberto Aquilani & Lucas Leiva will surely start in central midfield with maybe Jay Spearing playing alongside them, while Hodgson has experience in Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at the back. In fact he could even play all three with Agger reverting to play left back if he is fit enough, while the Reds search for a proper replacement on the left side. With Diego Cavalieri in goal and David Ngog in front, the only real concerns will be in the wide positions, although Milan Jovanovic will surely start either left side or up front. For me though, this is where youth can really shine in such a match.

Without risking a great deal in the spine of the side, Hodgson can afford some youthful exuberance on the wings, and perhaps up front, who can give him both pace and enthusiasm in attack. David Amoo, Nathan Eccleston, Martin Kelly perhaps at full back, Stephen Darby on the other side and even Tom Ince may have opportunites to shine in Macedonia. Amoo has particularly impressed Roy in the two pre-season matches so far, and for a player like him it could prove an important match to figure in Roy’s future first team plans.

Remember, Hodgson is allowed to use as many under 21 players during the season as he likes outside the 25 man squad, and for some of these youngsters, it will provide Roy with a greater insight into who maybe capable of playing under pressure in Premier League or cup matches during this season.

The youthful nature of the squad will also put extra demands on the few senior players that have gone to Macedonia, and it gives a player like Alberto Aquilani the opportunity to show what he is capable of, and lead the side in creative play to open gaps in the Rabotnicki defence. Rather than being a game to worry about for Reds fans, I think it should be a match to look forward to on Thursday.

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