New Steven Gerrard nears MOMENTOUS first-team promotion

Liverpool have always felt the need to use academy players to act as the heart and soul of the team, a 'Steven Gerrard' figure if you will.

The Reds' midfield legend gave his everything for the team whenever he was fielded, regardless of the occasion and where he was fielded on the pitch. He was the representative of the fans in the team.

Liverpool Transfer Latest: Trent Alexander-Arnold successor FOUND as star enters talks

When Gerrard left, Jordan Henderson took on the mantle, and in the years since the ex-Liverpool captain left, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones have taken on the role.

Read More: Liverpool find their Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement and you won’t have heard of him

Now, it seems as though there is another player who is willing to step up at the club and all the signs are pointing to his imminent promotion to the first team.

McConnell making a statement Liverpool cannot ignore

When Arne Slot has looked to change the team around, giving fringe players an opportunity, James McConnell has been one of the players who has benefited most.

Initially sparking from the PSV tie in the Champions League, before expanding to the domestic cup competitions, the young midfielder has started to be bled into the first-team.

His latest appearance was in the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Plymouth in the FA Cup, where the 20-year-old played at right-back and showcased his versatility.

Subsequently, he has returned to the under-21s set up and against Stoke City last night, he scored the only goal of the game in a low-quality contest.

It was a performance reminiscent of how Gerrard played throughout his career. Putting the team on his shoulders and making a difference when it was needed most.

Amidst some growing midfield issues in Liverpool's first-team set-up - Tyler Morton's injury problems and Ryan Gravenberch beginning to look a little leggy after featuring in almost every game for the Reds this season - an opportunity might just have arisen.

The chance for McConnell to bring his infectious passion and drive to Arne Slot's side.

Whether the Dutchman considers him to be ready for senior football, is another story, but it is clear that the midfielder is favoured by Slot and if the team continues to drop points, then trusting the youth to bring freshness to the side might be a gamble worth taking.

EXCLUSIVE: The lowdown on Castello Lukeba as £75m defender eyes "mega" Liverpool transfer

For the time being, while players such as Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa are being ignored on the Reds' bench, it seems as though Slot is willing to back his favoured players to get the team out of its rut, but the longer McConnell continues to knock on the door, eventually it will become impossible to ignore him.

Liverpool FC news recap: Michael Edwards WARNING as Slot faces challenge