Fish offers strong advice to fellow youngsters

While everyone's pathway is different, the centre-back feels he has benefited hugely from two loan spells at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. Such experience has enabled him to smoothly slot into Erik ten Hag's side during pre-season, coming on as a half-time substitute with Jonny Evans in the 3-2 win over Real Betis to replace Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Harry Amass started at left-back, setting up our first goal for Amad, while James Scanlon, Sam Murray, Maxi Oyedele, Sam Mather, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley all got minutes in San Diego.

Only one loan move has, so far, been completed in advance of the new campaign, with striker Joe Hugill completing a season-long switch to League One side Wigan Athletic.

However, as is the norm, there could well be more outgoings on a temporary basis to help accelerate the educational process for certain individuals.

Indeed, Amad, who has been outstanding in the friendlies and on Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, really came of age during his loan spell at Sunderland in the Championship.

"Massively," Fish replied, when asked by MUTV how much he had benefited from the loans in Edinburgh. "And you know, I say to the young lads all the time, who haven't been on loan yet, that's what you have to do.

"I think if, unless you're breaking through here, the comparison from Academy to men's football is so far apart. And I feel like I'm in a much better place now than I was two, two-and-a half years ago. So I think it's vital that you get that experience at a young age.

"It's like just little things in the game that I've picked up. Maybe, you know, over the past two years on loan, just sort of being more streetwise and how to play against better players and more physical players. So, like I say, I think it's so beneficial that young lads go on loan and get the experience like I did really."

Playing alongside Evans certainly helps any young player and Fish admitted the words of support and tips from the Northern Ireland defender are invaluable.

"Well, you obviously both have to speak to each other," said the 21-year-old. "But, you know, even before the game, he's giving me bits of advice which I take on board and I'm grateful for.

"So, to play with someone like Jonny, I've played a few times with him now, it's a really good experience and just positive things come from it."

It is Liverpool next for the Reds, live on MUTV, at the weekend (kick-off 00:45 BST on Sunday) and the composed centre-back is eager to make the most of any more opportunities.

"You know, you're at one of the best clubs in the world," he declared. "And to be out here in America, it's a surreal experience. So you take each day as it comes and just do your best. That's all you can do.

"People who know me, that's how I take life [in my stride]. I don't really get too high or too low, and I think that helps in football at times.

"Sometimes, you obviously need to be more up for it and, you know, times like that, I can be. But I try not to think about it too much and just take each day as it comes."