Liverpool right-back HIGHLY rated by Pep Lijnders RETURNS to training

Liverpool's academy set-up has produced a number of stars in recent years.

During Jurgen Klopp's reign, many youngsters such as Lewis Kouma, Ben Doak, Bobby Clark and Tyler Morton to name a few were given the name Klopp's Kids paying homage to how well integrated they were with the manager and in the first-team.

However one youngster who was highly-rated by the German boss and his assistant Pep Lijnders has had extensive injury problems in recent seasons. However could the player get an chance under Arne Slot.

Mabaya returns to training

Isaac Mabaya has been spotted in first-team training for the first time since Slot took over in summer. Mabaya, a long-time academy talent, became a favourite among avid watchers, however he has struggled to stay fit for a number of years.

He picked up a persistent ankle injury in October 2022 resulting him in being sidelined for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign. His last appearance for the under-21s was in the 3-0 win against Manchester United U21s at Old Trafford, just his fifth appearance in 18 months.

Mabaya's cameo was cut short after he was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury.

His frustration was clear, as the England international was seen kicking the advertising hoardings in disappointment and holding his head in his hands.

Coaches rave reviews

Both Lijnders and fellow coach Vitor Matos raved about Mabaya during their time at Liverpool. Speaking to Liverpool FC's website in 2022, the pair spoke highly about the youngster's performance in a pre-season friendly in what would later become Lijnders' club Red Bull Salzburg.

"We recognise a lot of talent, different kinds of profiles as well individually" said Matos, per the club site. "His physical attributes are really, really good and he's someone that can really give life to the right side of a team."

Lijnders agreed, claiming the right-side of the pitch is 'becoming a highway'.

Mabaya will be keen to make a good impression on Slot in the hopes of some potential first-team football. If the right-back can stay fit and the need for rotation and squad depth due to the congested fixture calendar, Mabaya may get his opportunity.