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Harry Wilson was the latest in a line of Liverpool youngsters to be given a crack in the first team by Jurgen Klopp. The German has provided the academy players with a number of opportunities of late, most recently in Liverpool’s FA Cup replay with Plymouth.
Wilson has enjoyed a fine season for the Under 23’s so far this season, scoring a total of 19 goals and registering 9 assists. As a result, the Welshman has established quite the name for himself within the club, and fans were intrigued to see what he could do at Home Park.
Coming on in the second half, Wilson conducted himself well, showing little signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. The 19-year-old almost got a debut goal for the Reds when he closed down Plymouth’s goalkeeper, as the ball ricocheted off the midfielder narrowly missing the back of the net.
Furthermore, Wilson showed some bright moments down the right-hand side, providing further indication of the bright future he has at the club. Brilliantly dummying the ball, Wilson passed it off to Ben Woodburn before Sheyi Ojo’s attempt at goal.
In his 30 minutes on the pitch he completed 15 passes, including 1 key pass. His enthusiasm and determination to impress almost led to a goal and it is that hunger and desire that will surely impress Klopp, a manager who demands such an attitude from all his players.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Harry Wilson’s performance. Do you agree with these thoughts?
Really impressed with Harry Wilson tonight
— Martin Turner (@Turner_LFC) January 18, 2017
I love the way Harry Wilson pirouettes on the ball. He did a nice dummy pass for Woodburn too.
— Steve Heighway (@Mywayorthe) January 18, 2017
Loved seeing Liverpool end the game with two Welsh attackers on the pitch. Bright futures for @harrywilson_ and @BenWoodburn 👌🏻
— Pete Evans (@PeteEvans87) January 18, 2017
The Welsh duo, which have an average age of 18.5 years old, shows the quality within the club’s academic set up and the youngsters are getting ample opportunities to showcase their ability under Klopp’s tutelage.
Harry Wilson looked sharp & shows flashes of why I'm so excited to see him in competitive first team matches#positives
— Kloppomatic (@AllMightyRed1) January 18, 2017
Having already made his international bow for Wales, it is clear that Harry Wilson is highly thought of by many. 19 goals for the Liverpool U23’s shows he has the quality to find the back of the net on a continuous basis, and there is few clubs that provide such a chance for young talents to grow as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
It’ll be interesting to see if Klopp continues to utilise his youth products at the competition progresses into the latter stages.
