Liverpool triumphed over Everton in an emphatic manner in the ‘mini-derby’ thanks to one youngster who ran the show. Jürgen Klopp must now make a big decision.
Liverpool’s U21 side had to wait a little bit longer to begin the season but on Monday night, it could not have asked for a better start. A mini-derby against Everton at home is the kind of fixture you dream about, and it proved to be quite the occasion for the young Reds — with plenty of things to digest for Jürgen Klopp as well.
Liverpool put out a strong side against its rival, with the likes of Jarell Quansah, Callum Scanlon and Bobby Clark ‘dropping’ back down after being heavily involved in pre-season with the first team.
Liverpool’s U21 side had to wait a little bit longer to begin the season but on Monday night, it could not have asked for a better start. A mini-derby against Everton at home is the kind of fixture you dream about, and it proved to be quite the occasion for the young Reds — with plenty of things to digest for Jürgen Klopp as well.
Liverpool put out a strong side against its rival, with the likes of Jarell Quansah, Callum Scanlon and Bobby Clark ‘dropping’ back down after being heavily involved in pre-season with the first team.
One of the biggest takeaways from the game was the performance of Bobby Clark who seemed to thrive on the confidence gained following a really impressive summer spent in pre-season with the first team.
He played a big role in helping to destroy Everton’s U21 side, registering two assists and scoring one himself in what was a perfect way to kick off his season.
But in another way it was also a reminder of how Clark has simply surpassed this level. There were signs of that this summer. To his credit in pre-season the 18-year-old never really looked out of place for Liverpool. He didn’t seem like an academy talent stepping up, but rather a player who already looked confident and assured in playing a first team role among adults.
He took his goal confidently against Leicester and looked really comfortable on the ball, making clever runs in and out of possession.
Now though Klopp has a decision to make. Despite Liverpool having midfield issues, Clark’s specific area is pretty well stocked. There are plenty ahead of him in the pecking order such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.
There is the possibility of earning minutes in the League Cup and the Europa League, which could be valuable experience for the youngster. But Klopp must also consider a loan.
Harvey Elliott who went out on loan at a similar age seemed to benefit tremendously from it at Blackburn. Such a move could have a similar impact on Clark.
After his form in pre-season and now in this opening match of the U21’s season, he should have no shortage of suitors. If Liverpool can find the right club to take him away from Anfield on a temporary spell, it’s something that must be considered.
Either way, an important decision awaits What the outcome will be is a mystery for now, but what is known is that Clark’s future is definitely something to be excited about. He is blessed with a lot of potential.
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