Dani Pacheco – Had a very promising European U19 Championships this summer with Spain helping them to the final after scoring four goals in the tournament. Was picked by Roy Hodgson for the second leg of the Europa League tie against FK Rabotnicki and contributed well in the game. Has expressed in recent weeks a desire to return to Spain to seek regular first team football, but after seemingly having a chat with Roy Hodgson, he has since come out and said that he will stay for the forthcoming campaign. The fact that he has also been given the number 12 jersey indicates he will have a more prominent role this season. In my view, although he is still young and will not be a prolific starter for Liverpool this season, he will be a useful sub and backup when injuries occur during the season. Verdict: He should not be a candidate for a loan move.
Nathan Eccleston – The young striker has impressed Roy during the pre-season training camp in Switzerland and his speed and direct style of play have won him many admirers over the last year. He is still a raw talent though and would probably spend next season in John McMahon’s reserve team. His loan spell at Huddersfield Town was not that fruitful, despite getting a goal on his debut for the Terriers, and it would be advisable if he was loaned out to a lower division team where he could be guaranteed starts and have the opportunity to play in his favoured forward role rather than being stuck out on the wing. Verdict: He needs games and should be sent on a season long loan.
Daniel Ayala – Another player who had a promising pre-season and again impressed Roy Hodgson alongside Martin Kelly in the centre of defence during pre-season friendlies, the Spanish defender looks to have a good future ahead of him. Faith was shown in the youngster by Rafa Benitez near the end of last season when he was selected to start a Premier League match against Burnley. The arrival of another young defender Danny Wilson from Rangers has however complicated matters and means he will fight with young Scot for a place in the squad. He will want to stay above Wilson in the pecking order otherwise he may want to look elsewhere to find first team football. Verdict: A case could be put for either sending him out on loan to gain experience or to keep him as cover.
Jay Spearing – At 21, Jay really has little time left to prove himself at Liverpool and that he can perform in the Premier League after spending the best part of 13 years at the club. A number of Championship clubs are after him on loan after an impressive few months for Leicester City at the back end of last season when he helped guide the team to a play-off place. Roy has mentioned that he has had to fight off interest for the player and believes that Jay will be part of Liverpool’s first team plans this season. Verdict: Will stay with Liverpool this season rather than being loaned out.
Stephen Darby – The young right back has played most of pre-season at left back as Roy Hodgson seeks to find a new player to play the position. Although he is a decent full-back, a more promising talent in Martin Kelly is currently on the books and Darby will struggle to break into Roy’s first team plans. It maybe time for Darby to look elsewhere for first team football. Verdict: A loan in view to a permanent move maybe the best bet for the youngster.
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I hope Roy uses our youngsters well this season, especially Pacheco. He reminds me of Luis Garcia. The season is gruelling and it’s hard to expect senior players to play every game and still remain fit throughout. Youngsters will give them much needed rest, and our batch aren’t half bad.
Spearing and Darby will probably stay as part of our 25 man squad. They’re 2 of our currently 6 (7 if Insua stays) homegrown over-21’s.
I’d like to see Eccleston get a season on loan, though, and probably Ayala as well, as long as we tie him down to a new contract first, because if Ayala plays for a season anywhere he’s going to attract a lot of interest.
And yes, Pacheco must stay and become part of the regular 1st team squad this season.