Sending a player out on loan is a terrific way of gaining some valuable first-team experience. It can also be an effective way for out-of-favour stars to work their way back into the manager's plans.
Premier League sides such as Liverpool, who often possess bulky squads, tend to use the loan market effectively, and there have been numerous successes over the last five years.
Twelve players have temporarily departed Anfield this season, and they've each enjoyed varying amount of success. Ben Woodburn has been unable to feature regularly for Blackpool due to illness, whereas 19-year old Morgan Boyes hasn't featured for Fleetwood since the beginning of October. However, others have knuckled down and made the most of their opportunity, and we take a look at the progress of three of these future stars.
Sheyi Ojo
Cardiff City continued their strong away form yesterday as Sheyi Ojo's goal earned them a win over Preston North End
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) October 19, 2020
Report https://t.co/DTcNRXgeQ8 pic.twitter.com/FSHD58m5MQ
The 23-year old has become fairly accustomed to spending time away from Melwood, and is currently embarking upon the sixth loan spell of his short career. He's played 824 minutes for Cardiff City so far this season, and has contributed significantly in recent weeks. Ojo has found the net twice for the Bluebirds, bagging his first goal in 34 months to help his new side clinch a 1-0 victory over Preston in mid-October. He's also provided one assist and boasts the fourth highest pass success percentage in the squad.
The winger has earned mixed reviews during his previous loan spells, and although he got off to a fairly slow start in South Wales, he now appears to be flourishing under Neil Harris.
Harvey Elliott
The promising winger is also plying his trade in the Championship this season, and although he doesn't boast the significant experience of Ojo, he has already made quite the impression at Ewood Park. Blackburn's attack-minded coach Tony Mowbray is the ideal mentor for the energetic wide-man who has hit the ground running since making his debut in October.
In just 540 minutes of second-tier football, he's provided three assists, and he also found the net during his side's 4-0 demolition of Coventry City.
Rovers may be sat in mid-table, however, they are the division's highest scorers, and have netted 21 times in their opening eleven fixtures. Whilst fans have been able to enjoy their side's goal-scoring exploits from the comfort of their own home, it's also been a good time for pro-Blackburn punters.
There's been an average of 3.18 goals in their games so far this season, and with an ever-increasing number of online bookmakers offering welcome bonuses, bettors have been able to use these incentives to explore the vast number of goals-based markets that are now available.
The industry has enjoyed exponential growth over the last five years, and these introductory offers are a great way for betting sites and online casinos to attract new players. Sites such as Bet on Aces act as a gatekeeper and offer up-to-date casino reviews, which enable users to select from a pool of some of the most reputable and reliable operators on the market.
Adam Lewis
Adam Lewis has officially completed a loan switch to Ligue 2 side Amiens.
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) August 18, 2020
Best of luck Adam pic.twitter.com/QJnD4Yut4M
Unlike his teammates Ojo and Elliott, Adam Lewis' move to Ligue 2 club Amiens went fairly under-the-radar. Despite a mixed start, which saw him largely restricted to appearances from the bench, the 21-year old has now firmly established himself as a regular starter in northern France.
He's played a full 90 minutes in four of his last five appearances, with Amiens keeping three clean sheets during that period. The switch of coach has certainly worked in Lewis' favour with new manager Oswald Tanchot opting to put his faith in the on-loan youngster.
He has looked confident and assured in the French second tier, and is clearly benefiting from getting some regular first-team football under his belt.
Liverpool have some superb talent in their squad, and although very few of them are likely to be thrown in at the deep end anytime soon, Jurgen Klopp clearly recognises the importance of allowing his players to experience the hustle and bustle of competitive football. The club's loanees continue to flourish outside of Merseyside and they are likely to return to Kirkby as far more rounded and experienced individuals.
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