'Toughest season mentally' - Liverpool outcast breaks silence after being left out in the cold by Arne Slot

Out-of-favour Liverpool defensive midfielder Morton has shared his feelings on the 2024-25 season, which he spent at Anfield after consecutive loan spells at Championship sides Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. Morton said it was the "toughest season mentally" for him under head coach Slot, although the youngster also admitted it "could have worked out a lot worse than it did" if he had been sent out on loan to develop further.

Morton made just five appearances in all competitions, none of which came in Liverpool's triumphant Premier League campaign. He underwent shoulder surgery back in February, which saw him miss the rest of the season. However, he made one Champions League appearance, one FA Cup start, and three League Cup appearances, of which he started twice, aggregating a total of just 261 minutes.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, Morton said: "I think it's been the toughest season mentally for me. Obviously, I've coped with it very well because I've got good people around me, but it's been very tough. I think I've coped with it as well as I possibly could. I think when you're not playing as a footballer who's as hungry as I am, it does hurt.

"It's tough, especially when, in my opinion, I wanted to go out and I wanted to play and I wanted to go on loan and get my game time. But having chatted with the manager, having to stay, it could have worked out a lot worse than it did. It probably could have worked out a lot better than it did.

"It's still been a good season. I've still developed and, as you said, I still feel really sharp and really ready to go."

The young midfielder has been named in England's squad for the U21 European Championship, which begins on Wednesday, June 11. He will be expected to be a regular fixture under Lee Carsley, and could be seen in action against the Czech Republic U21 in their first group stage game on Thursday, June 12.