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These 4 Liverpool under-21 players will be first-teamers before you know it

Liverpool are a club famous for bringing youth players through their ranks, with club legends such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen making their names at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp appears to buy into this philosophy, putting faith in the club’s development squads and handing debuts to players like Kevin Stewart, Sheyi Ojo and Connor Randall while a number of other youngsters are currently in his first team squad.

The Reds have always performed fairly well at youth level and although we have seen less players break through to their starting XI in recent years, this could all be about to change.

Here at the Football Transfer Tavern we believe there are a number of young starlets who could be poised to make their mark at the club.

But who are these players? The Transfer Tavern landlord looks at FOUR lads who are set to be playing in the first-team sooner rather than later……

Harry Wilson

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The first man on the list is Liverpool under-23’s captain, Harry Wilson.

The 19-year-old attacker signed a new contract with the club in July and has been in fine form, scoring against Chelsea’s and Leicester’s reserves this season.

Wilson was the joint top scorer at the Future Cup in 2014 and followed this up by claiming the ‘Best Forward award’ at last year’s Otten Cup in Holland.

He is also Liverpool’s youngest international and was only 16 years and 107 days old when he became Wales’ youngest ever player, snatching the record from a certain Gareth Bale…

Ben Woodburn

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Arguably the most exciting prospect at Liverpool, 16-year-old Ben Woodburn has those down the Tavern talking him up the be the next big thing.

The youngster’s speed, strength and touch has already drawn comparisons with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with some punters claiming he could be even better.

He showed what he was capable of in the FA Youth Cup against Cardiff in January, expertly chesting down a long ball and firing a wonderful volley over the keeper.

Woodburn also featured in pre-season, finding the net against Tranmere and Fleetwood.

Many fans will be hoping he can replicate the Rashford effect for Liverpool when he gets the chance.

Ovie Ejaria

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Often the third ingredient in Liverpool’s potent attack alongside Wilson and Woodburn, Ejaria is looking capable of making a name in his own right.

Able to play on the flanks or through the middle, the German is a versatile hard-worker and the perfect player for Klopp’s system.

He has flourished as part of a front-three and scored in the Under-23’s last game against Leicester.

He has clearly caught the manager’s eye as a result, starting in pre-season against Tranmere Rovers this summer.

Cameron Brannagan

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First uncovered in Brendan Rodgers’ reign, Cameron Brannagan is another man who has impressed Klopp.

He was an unused substitute in an FA Cup third round tie against Oldham in 2015 and went on to make his debut in a Europa League tie away at Bordeaux.

He went on to make three Premier League appearances under Klopp and recently signed a contract until 2018, with Klopp telling the Liverpool Echo he is “a real talent” and “everything you need for a midfield player.”

The German is clearly hoping to keep Brannagan around after Liverpool rejected a £1m bid from Wigan this summer.

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