Liverpool head coach Arne Slot had the luxury of resting two key players during Sunday’s dominant 4-0 victory over West Ham, making tactical substitutions well before the final whistle.
By the 57th minute, with the Reds well in control, Slot replaced Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo to avoid either picking up a yellow card that would have suspended them for next weekend’s match against Manchester United.
Earlier, Joe Gomez had to be substituted due to injury, with Jarell Quansah replacing him, leaving Slot with two more substitutions. He used them in the 74th minute, bringing on Harvey Elliott and Kostas Tsimikas.
Some fans may have hoped for the inclusion of youngsters Jayden Danns and James McConnell, who were on the bench but have yet to feature in the Premier League this season.
Why didn’t the young duo get a chance?
With key players like Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, Federico Chiesa focused on extra training, and injuries sidelining Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté, there was space for Danns and McConnell on the bench.
Given the comfortable scoreline, there seemed to be an opportunity to give the young players some playing time. However, Slot likely had a reason for not bringing them on.
Potential January loan moves for Danns and McConnell
According to The Athletic, Liverpool may look to loan out Danns and McConnell in January to secure regular first-team football, which is seen as crucial for their development.
Both were expected to leave on loan in the summer, but injuries disrupted those plans, limiting them to under-21 matches and one first-team appearance in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
Slot may have been cautious about risking them in a game already decided, potentially jeopardizing any future loan moves. With Championship clubs reportedly interested, the pair could follow in the footsteps of players like Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas, who have excelled during loan spells this season.
Depth considerations at Liverpool
Liverpool’s decisions regarding Danns and McConnell may also be influenced by squad depth. Both were unexpectedly called upon earlier this year during an injury crisis and played a role in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory in February.
If they are loaned out, it would give them valuable experience while helping maintain squad balance.
Whether Danns and McConnell will be loaned out remains to be seen, but Slot’s choice not to field them on Sunday could hint at Liverpool’s plans for the January transfer window.
