African wonderkid closing in on joining Andoni Iraola's Liverpool first-team

African wonderkid closing in on joining Andoni Iraola's Liverpool first-team Andoni Iraola's first-team could soon be bolstered by an exciting African wonderkid. The Spaniard has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have lost their identity. The Dutchman may be a good coach but he was simply not the right fit for Liverpool. Slot showed what he was capable of during his first year in charge. However, he also showed what he was not capable of in his second season in charge. When he had to work with a strong squad, and players who had already achieved or come close to fulfiling their potential, Slot flourished. However, when he was forced to develop players, work with youngsters and promote from the academy, he faltered. Slot just didn't seem to be that type of manager. He was a farcry from Jurgen Klopp, who relished working with youngsters. Andoni Iraola's exciting young generation at Liverpool From the get-go Iraola has proven he is different. In pre-season, he was not afraid of throwing a 16-year-old in Joshua Abe at the deep-end. He also gave Ifeanyi Ndukwe an increased playing time, and opted to promote Lewis Koumas after he recognised the Welshman was the perfect fit for his philosophy. Under Iraola, the Reds youngsters are now finally getting chances. Trey Nyoni has had the opportunity to establish himself as a key midfielder. Koumas has become a great source of energy off the bench. And Rio Ngumoha is slowly getting better and better on the right-wing. Iraola is proving that he has that Klopp touch about him. He is able to get the maximum out of all of his players and he is willing to reward younger players the chance to prove themselves. Mor Talla Ndiaye is closing in on the first-team At the same time, Iraola is also having to contend with injury problems. Right now, Jeremie Frimpong has a knock, and Dominik Szoboszlai is also out injured. Injuries usually means an opportunity for someone else who is catching the eye at academy level to be promoted. And one of those players who is now really pushing in earning a promotion to the senior squad is Mor Talla Ndiaye. The Senegalese U17 international has been a revelation since he arrived in the January window earlier this year. He is a commanding and extremely composed defender. Ndiaye recently scored a 92nd minute winner for Liverpool's U21 side against West Brom. He is getting better and better, and it's only a matter of time until Iraola calls him up for the first-team. It very much feels like Ndiaye is on the verge of joining the senior squad.