Adam Lewis was a late addition to Liverpool’s squad for pre-season training, but the young left-back isn’t wasting any time as he bids for a first-team role.
Lewis was surprisingly omitted from the Reds’ initial group back at Melwood this summer, but soon joined the senior side along with eight other academy players.
George Johnston, Ovie Ejaria, Paul Glatzel, Yasser Larouci, Bobby Duncan, Abdi Sharif, Vitezslav Jaros and Jakub Ojrzynski were also part of training on Sunday and have retained their places.
With Caoimhin Kelleher, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri injured and many others yet to return after international duty, it is likely this young crop will feature against Tranmere Rovers on Thursday night.
But while he is hoping to get some minutes at Prenton Park, Lewis has set his sights higher as he aims to fill the void left by the departing Alberto Moreno in 2019/20.
“It’s obviously tough going into pre-season, whether it’s at Liverpool or another club,” the 19-year-old told LFCTV.
“We know what the manager likes, he loves the running, so you’ve just got to adapt to it.
“And obviously I see an opportunity for me in my position with Alberto going. There’s a chance, and he gives the youngsters a go in pre-season.
“Pre-season’s an opportunity where you can show what you’ve got.
“The manager’s seen me play, I’ve been here a few times last year. But the most important thing for me is to stay down here and hopefully get on the bench in the upcoming season.”
The prospect of Lewis taking up a backup role at Anfield next season is a popular one among fans, but at one stage the Scouser seemed more likely to leave on loan.
A full-time place at Melwood has so far eluded him, but the youngster—who can also play in midfield and further forward on the wing—explained how pre-season training has whet his appetite.
“Training with them just gives you the taste, you just want it more,” he added.
“Being a part of a big club like this is massive, and it gives you a big confidence boost going into a game or even getting the call-up to come to Melwood.
“It’s always a good thing for a young lad, especially being a Scouser as well, it makes it even more important.”
On his hopes of playing on Thursday, Lewis said: “All I have to do is keep impressing in training, and hopefully get my chance.”
Given Moreno played just five times last season, and often struggled for a place on the bench, there would appear to be little risk in assigning Lewis the role of Andy Robertson‘s deputy.
He will, of course, face competition for a start against Tranmere with the likes of Larouci, Anderson Arroyo and Nathaniel Clyne.
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