Liverpool made Joe Gomez their fourth signing of the summer a few weeks ago, but now they are faced with the decision as to whether to send him out on loan or try and let him fight his way into the first-team this season.
The 18-year-old only broke into the Charlton Athletic first-team last season and appeared 21 times in the Championship last season. He played at both right back and in his preferred centre-back position and after an impressive season caught the eye of a few clubs.
As a result Liverpool made a £3.5 million bid for the English defender and managed to secure his signature. Gomez has already been compared to Rio Ferdinand, who he idolised growing up, and could well be a future star in a few years for Liverpool, but he may need a lot of playing time to reach that sort of level.
Could it be best for his development if he is loaned out, so that he can gain some more experience before playing in the Premier League?
Do Liverpool have enough centre backs at the moment?
Liverpool's main centre-back options currently consists of Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho. Liverpool also have Tiago Ilori returning from his loan spell, which means there are a total of five centre backs competing for just two spots this season.
As a result, Gomez may not be in consideration for a starting place any time soon, unless injuries hit the squad or some key players are sold. Not to mention the fact that Andre Wisdom is also returning from a loan spell and he can occupy the centre back position as well as his preferred right back position.
If Gomez wants to be playing regularly, it does seem it would be best for him to be loaned out, but preferably to another Premier League club, so he can gain vital top-flight experience and can get used to the demands the league has.
Could next year be his year?
Looking towards the future, Kolo Toure has one year left on his current contract and looks likely to move on next year after almost leaving this summer.
If Tiago Ilori does not break into the Liverpool first team this year, then maybe his Anfield career will be over before its even started and he could also move on next summer.
Dejan Lovren had a poor debut season for Liverpool and his future is still uncertain, but if he has another season like the one he just had, he would surely be sold as well.
If these players do move on next summer, Joe Gomez will have a real chance of breaking into the first-team and could become a regular first team player at a very young age, but none of that is certain.
A future star in a few years
If Gomez can replicate any type of form like former England defender Ferdinand, then the Reds will have signed a gem and a brilliant future England and Liverpool star.
That said, it may be a few years before we see centre-back Gomez playing week-in, week-out in a Liverpool shirt, meaning it would be wise to send him out on loan.
But, when the time comes, Liverpool fans will be sure to appreciate the swift capture of the English defender if he develops as hoped.
