There is something quite nice about Liverpool finally getting to wear that new third kit.
And it could be a lot more interesting than just a kit debut.
Liverpool’s new black and maroon Adidas third strip was released back in August, inspired by those famous European nights at Anfield. It looks fantastic, but strangely, nobody from the first team, academy or women’s team has actually worn it in a competitive match yet.
That is about to change.
Liverpool Under-21s travel to Doncaster on Tuesday night for their second Jersey Mike’s Trophy group game, with kick-off at 7pm.
And because the match falls during the international break, there could be some very interesting names in Rob Page’s team.
The new kit finally gets its moment
I’ll be honest, I’m quite looking forward to seeing it on the pitch.
The black shirt with maroon detailing and silver accents is a completely different look from Liverpool’s usual red, and Adidas clearly wanted something that reflected the atmosphere of European nights at Anfield.
But the kit itself isn’t really the biggest story.
It’s who could potentially be wearing it.
Liverpool have had several senior players around the AXA Training Centre during the international break, and that creates an opportunity for some of them to get minutes with the Under-21s.
That could be particularly useful for players who need game time.
Gomez, Endo and Chiesa could benefit
Joe Gomez is one name I’d be particularly interested in seeing.
The experienced defender hasn’t had the easiest time establishing himself in the first-team side, and getting competitive minutes could be useful.
Then there’s Wataru Endo.
The Japanese midfielder has plenty of experience, but regular football remains important, particularly when you’re trying to stay sharp while not necessarily being a first-choice starter every week.
And then there is Federico Chiesa.
This is probably the one I’d be most interested in.
Chiesa has had his own fitness issues since arriving at Liverpool, so if he’s ready for minutes, a controlled outing with the Under-21s could be exactly what he needs.
There is no point rushing anybody.
But there is also a big difference between training and actually playing a competitive match.
Liverpool have used this competition for senior players before
This isn’t something completely new for Liverpool.
The EFL Trophy has previously been used as an opportunity to give senior players valuable minutes alongside younger players.
Arthur Melo famously featured for Liverpool’s Under-21s in the competition during the 2022/23 season while building up his fitness.
And that’s one of the useful things about this competition.
It’s competitive football.
You’re playing against senior opposition from the Football League rather than simply arranging a behind-closed-doors friendly.
The EFL itself has also highlighted the role the competition plays in developing young players, with 123 academy players making their professional debuts in the tournament during the 2025/26 season.
So there is something for everybody.
The youngsters get another test.
The senior players can get minutes.
And Rob Page gets to manage a squad containing a mixture of experience and youth.
Don’t expect Alisson to be involved
One player I’m certainly not expecting to see is Alisson.
And quite rightly.
Liverpool play Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, and there is absolutely no reason to take even the smallest risk with their No.1 goalkeeper.
Alisson doesn’t need a fitness-building exercise against Doncaster.
He needs to be rested and ready for City.
That’s the priority.
The same principle applies to anybody carrying even a minor injury concern.
Liverpool have a huge game coming up and there is no reason to turn a precaution into a problem.
The youngsters already gave us quite a game
Liverpool’s first Jersey Mike’s Trophy match this season was certainly entertaining.
Rob Page’s side came from 3-1 down against Rochdale to draw 3-3, scoring twice in stoppage time before eventually winning the penalty shootout 7-6.
Will Wright scored Liverpool’s first goal, while Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie completed the remarkable comeback.
So this isn’t simply a glorified friendly.
Liverpool need another result against Doncaster if they want to progress from Group H.
Doncaster themselves have also made clear they want to advance in the competition, meaning this should be another proper test for Page’s young side.
And then there is the Manchester City factor
This is the part that makes the timing particularly interesting.
Liverpool play Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
That’s the match everybody at the club will ultimately be thinking about.
So if Gomez, Endo or Chiesa do get minutes against Doncaster, the objective should be pretty simple:
Get minutes. Get sharp. Stay fit.
Nothing more.
Nobody needs to prove anything by playing 90 minutes if 45 or 60 is enough.
And nobody should be risking an injury simply because there is a competitive game available.
For Chiesa in particular, though, I would love to see him get some time on the pitch if he is ready.
Imagine him getting a goal or an assist in that new black and maroon shirt.
That would certainly get Liverpool supporters talking.
I actually like the idea
Liverpool have a busy season ahead.
There will be injuries.
There will be suspensions.
There will be rotation.
There will be periods when Iraola needs players who haven’t been getting regular first-team football.
That’s why matches like this matter.
The youngsters get experience.
Senior players get minutes.
And the manager gets another chance to assess his squad.
And now they get to do it while finally giving us a proper look at that new third kit.
The first team will probably have to wait a little longer before wearing it themselves.
With Liverpool’s home and away colours likely to clash with Brentford’s red and white stripes later in October, the new third strip could make its senior debut against the Bees.
But before that happens, Liverpool’s Under-21s will get there first.
And if a few first-team players join them, Tuesday night suddenly becomes much more interesting.
I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye on that team sheet.
Because I want to see the new kit.
I want to see the youngsters continue their progress.
And, if he’s ready, I really want to see Federico Chiesa back on a football pitch.
That would make this much more than just a kit debut.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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