OPINION
Wednesday’s game against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup is a chance for Jurgen Klopp to give opportunities to those members of his squad who have waited patiently for game time this season.
Chief among those should be young forward Dominic Solanke. The England international has had to watch Daniel Sturridge swallow up any scraps left by Liverpool’s front three, as the 21-year-old’s minutes have decreased even further this campaign.
Luckily for Solanke, The Times reports that he earn a rare start against his former side at Anfield. It’s the right decision for Klopp to reward the youngster for his patience and positive attitude.
Solanke moved to Merseyside in the hope of receiving the first team football he wasn’t getting at Stamford Bridge; that hasn’t happened, but yet you never hear about the striker throwing his dummy out or moaning about his lack of game time.
It’s important for Klopp to keep his squad happy as he looks to challenge for four trophies this season. The Carabao Cup would be a nice launching pad for the club this year, and Solanke could play a major role in any run they make in the tournament.
The Englishman will be extra motivated to prove a point to his former side when they meet at Anfield. He’ll want to show the Blues that they made a mistake in not affording him opportunities, while he’ll be keen to show how much he has improved under Klopp.
Now this isn’t to say that Sturridge can’t start as well. In fact, the two of them up front together sounds like a recipe for success for the Reds.
Strikers tend to play better when they have another frontman supporting them, and perhaps that’s what’s been missing for Solanke so far in a red shirt.
Sturridge is a good role model for Solanke to have anyway, and the experience of playing alongside the 30-year-old will only help the youngster.
Aside from the game being against his former team, Solanke will be eager to show his German boss that he deserves more first team football.
Liverpool are going to be challenging across multiple fronts this term, and so squad players like Solanke are going to be important to the club’s success.
Klopp needs to throw one of the most patient members of his squad a bone, and see what he can do with the opportunity against his old club. He might be surprised by the result.
