Liverpool have a plethora of young talent coming through their ranks at the moment, with Rhian Brewster the latest in an increasing line of youth World Cup winners at Anfield. The 17-year-old returns to Melwood this week having guided his country to glory with a winner medal to his name, joining three other Liverpool players in doing so –Sheyi Ojo, Ovie Ejaria and summer signing Dominic Solanke, all of whom featured for England’s Under-20s side.
The very fact that the list fails to include bright stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Woodburn and Joe Gomez simply highlights the ever-growing pool of young talent The Reds have. Our young guns are a talented bunch.
Joe Gomez
Perhaps overlooked by some, Gomez has really stepped things up this season having suffered a very injury stricken career on Merseyside thus far. A long-term injury to Clyne has seen him take up a first-team role – a challenge he has risen to exceptionally. Defensively strong, the Englishman has shown great promise on the ball and looks a calming figure in a usually chaotic back four.
There’s been some progression in his attacking play, too, with Gomez almost providing the winner against Manchester United with a wonderfully weighted lofted ball into the direction of Emre Can. Unfortunately the German couldn’t make worthy contact, but it was another indication of the ex-Charlton player’s development.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The right-back has been out of action in recent weeks, but represents a promising defensive tool for Klopp’s side. Unphased by pressure, Alexander-Arnold made his Premier League bow against Manchester United and dealt well with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford respectively. Then there’s his goals in the Champions League – most noticeably a stunning free-kick that capped off a first European display for the youngster.
“I have to say, for an 18-year-old to have the balls to kick a free-kick is better than the mistake. He is an incredible young player. It was actually because I told him he had to do it—he was the only one who can. He can shoot free-kicks better than I ever could.” – Jurgen Klopp
Given Liverpool’s frailties at the back, having such a strong player coming through the first-team can only mean good things for Liverpool.
Ben Woodburn
The 18-year-old recently put pen to paper on a new 5 year contract at the club, emphasising just how highly he is thought of at Anfield. Woodburn became the youngest ever scorer when he netted in the Carabao Cup against Leeds last year, while also scoring on his international debut in September.
That’s just the beginning for the Welshman, though, with many tipping him to be the next big thing coming through the ranks at Liverpool. Playing out wide and most recently through the middle, his creative mind is able to open doors against packed defences. It’s just a shame we’re no longer in the Carabao Cup otherwise we’d have seen a lot more of him in the first-team this season. Still, it remains only a matter of time.
Rhian Brewster
At 17 years of age, the forward has already made quite the mark, notching goals against Arsenal and Spurs while featuring in the UEFA Youth League against Sevilla. His main achievements, however, lie on the international stage where Brewster scored seven times during the World Cup competition – including goals in the semi-final and final which saw him receive the Golden Boot.
It’s only natural then that the English media have been quick to laud praise on a player with such obvious potential and Klopp himself seems to know he’s got someone special on his hands having put him on the bench against Crystal Palace.
He’s got pace and a strong eye for goal with good intelligence both on and off the ball that stand him in good stead for the future. Of course, he’s still got a lot to learn and will need to beef up in order to tackle the physicality of the Premier League, but this lad has some serious talent on his hands. Let’s hope he can produce the goods for Liverpool in the years to come.
