I love seeing Liverpool’s academy players getting a genuine opportunity to make their mark, and Will Wright could be the next youngster to benefit from Andoni Iraola’s willingness to look towards the next generation.
According to the Daily Mail, Wright is being tipped as the next Liverpool academy star to break into the first team, with Iraola potentially considering the young striker for the bench against Manchester City on Sunday.
And you can understand why.
Liverpool have a problem up front, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both carrying injury concerns, while Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined.
Suddenly, a youngster who might otherwise have been waiting patiently for his opportunity could find himself much closer to the first team.
Could Wright be about to get his chance at Anfield?
Liverpool need attacking options
The timing is certainly interesting.
Liverpool face Manchester City on Sunday in one of the biggest games of the season so far, and Iraola needs as many attacking options as possible.
Isak’s fitness is a concern, Gakpo has returned from international duty with an ankle problem, and Ekitike is unavailable.
That leaves the manager with some important decisions to make.
Lewis Koumas is another option who could be considered, particularly after his busy international break with Wales. But Wright offers something different: a natural centre-forward who has already spent time around the senior squad.
Iraola may not want to throw an 18-year-old into such a huge game, but having him available on the bench would at least give Liverpool another option if circumstances demand it.
And sometimes, being involved in a matchday squad is an important step in itself.
Wright has already had a taste of first-team football
This wouldn’t be completely new territory for Wright.
The young striker was included in Liverpool’s senior pre-season tour of the United States, featuring against Sunderland and Wrexham before also getting minutes against Como.
He has already experienced training alongside the first-team players and learning from senior forwards, including Isak.
Wright has spoken about how much he enjoyed that opportunity, describing the experience as a dream come true and explaining that being involved in senior matchdays had made him hungry for more.
That is exactly the attitude you want to see.
He knows he still has plenty to learn, but he’s clearly determined to make the most of every opportunity.
And with Iraola prepared to give young players opportunities when they earn them, Wright has reason to believe there could be a pathway into the senior side.
He’s already shown he can score goals
Wright also gave supporters a glimpse of his finishing ability during pre-season.
He scored against Everton in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, showing composure inside the penalty area to put the ball into the corner.
It was only a friendly, of course, and nobody should get carried away by one goal. But it was another positive moment in his development.
He has also been working towards an ambitious target of scoring more than 10 goals in Premier League 2 this season, while continuing to develop into the type of centre-forward Liverpool hope he can become.
At 18, he still has a long way to go.
But Wright has the opportunity to learn from Liverpool’s senior players, experience the demands of first-team football and gradually make a case for himself.
Iraola has already shown he trusts young players
One of the encouraging things about Iraola’s approach has been his willingness to involve academy players.
Liverpool have already seen youngsters benefit from opportunities under the new manager, and Wright was among those who impressed during pre-season.
Iraola has previously spoken positively about the quality of the young players who joined the senior squad on tour, praising their performances against Premier League opposition and confirming that some would remain involved with the first team.
That doesn’t mean every promising youngster will immediately become a regular.
There is a difference between impressing in training, earning a place on the bench and becoming an established first-team player.
But Wright has already taken some important steps.
And with Liverpool short of recognised centre-forward options, this could be another opportunity for him to move forward.
I wouldn’t expect miracles against Manchester City
Let’s keep our feet on the ground.
If Wright makes the bench on Sunday, it doesn’t automatically mean he will come on, and it certainly doesn’t mean Liverpool should be relying on an 18-year-old to solve their attacking problems.
Manchester City are a formidable opponent, and this is a game where Liverpool will need their senior players to deliver.
But there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving Wright the opportunity to be involved.
Even sitting on the bench, watching the preparation and experiencing the atmosphere around such a big fixture would be valuable.
And if he does get on the pitch, he can simply concentrate on doing the basics well, working hard and showing what he can offer.
That’s all anyone should ask of him.
He doesn’t need to be the next Liverpool superstar overnight. He just needs his first opportunities to keep coming.
Could Sunday be another step forward?
For me, that’s the exciting part.
Wright has already experienced senior training, played in pre-season and scored against Everton. Now, with Liverpool facing uncertainty over their attacking options, the possibility of another first-team call-up feels significant.
Whether he makes the bench against Manchester City remains to be seen, but the fact that he is being discussed as a potential option shows how important academy depth can be.
Liverpool have invested heavily in their attack, yet injuries can quickly force a manager to look elsewhere.
Sometimes that means turning to an experienced player in an unfamiliar position.
Other times, it opens the door for a youngster who has been waiting for his opportunity.
Wright could be the next player to benefit.
I’m not expecting him to come on against City and win the game for Liverpool. But I’d love to see him involved, learning from the experience and getting another taste of what it means to be part of the senior squad.
Because if he keeps working hard and taking his chances, this doesn’t have to be a one-off opportunity.
Will Wright could be Liverpool’s next academy success story. Sunday might just bring him one step closer.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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