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Liverpool's Fringe Players Failed Their Audition vs Chelsea

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Crispin Leyser | Last updated May 4, 2025 9:04 PM ET

With the title in the bag, in advance of Liverpool's game against Chelsea, manager Arne Slot was upfront about this team selection, indicating that it was a great chance "..to see how a few players do in a difficult game like Chelsea away and where they are in their development.”

That meant rare starts for Konstantinos Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota. They failed their auditions as Liverpool slumped to their biggest league defeat of the season, 3-1.

Maybe it's hard to assess with nothing to play for, but this was a glorious chance for these players to impress and stake their claim for a coveted spot in Slot's squad next season. The unconvincing display from Liverpool only reinforced the belief that Slot will be making a major squad overhaul in the summer.

Though these players have been amazing back-ups to call upon from the bench or as stand-ins when injury strikes, none seems ready for "prime time". The question then becomes a combination of who does Slot want to keep and who wants to move on in order to guarantee more playing time?

The performance today has reinforced the notion that Slot will strengthen at left back (to rotate with the aging Robertson); at center back as cover for Van Dijk and Konate; in midfield to give Gravenberch a breather; and perhaps most importantly in attack, where neither Jota or Nunez have convinced.

Some may be used as bargaining chips in negotiations for new players or sold to boost the coffers for new recruits. Others may yet stay and try and fight for their place. Quansah and Elliott are both young and could still have plenty to offer Liverpool.

Conspicuous by his absence from the starting line-up was Federico Chiesa. While his introduction from the bench ensured he now has made enough appearances to claim a League title medal, it would be a major shock if he doesn't move on in the summer, with Napoli touted as a potential destination.

Related: How Liverpool Won the League

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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