Having won the 2019 UEFA Champions League, hopes were high that Liverpool would go and spend some big cash this summer. With an already padded squad that is decked out with quality, though, it appears that Jurgen Klopp will instead turn to youth. One of the names who is getting a lot of gametime in pre-season – and who was part of the post-season celebrations – was Rhian Brewster.
The highly impressive youngster has made a hugely positive impact in pre-season, and has managed to really establish himself as the ‘other’ forward.
What makes him so special?
Rapid and predatorial in his finishing, Brewster has the technical qualities and mental reading of the game of an adult. He’s got excellent physical skills, too, with plenty of strength, no shortage of balance, and an excellent turn of pace. This makes hi ma hard player to deal with; his opportunistic finishing, smart movement, and tremendous link-up for one so young is really impressive, too.
Liverpool have been looking for a hard-working, physically durable, technically sound player who can link-up and score goals. That is what Roberto Firmino does for the side. Brewster has all of those attributes.
Any concerns or doubts?
Gametime. Like many of the youngsters we are covering, the problem for Brewster is the four or five players ahead of him are incredible. The likes of Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah do not miss much in terms of matches. As such, it would be hard to see Brewster getting too many minutes when they are all fit and durable.
With all three having enjoyed summer tournament football with their nations, all three will be returning later than usual. Brewster has exploded in pre-season, and he might just get a few games at the start of this season when the big boys are returning.
That could be make or break for the young Englishman: if he can take his chance, he could establish himself far sooner than he thinks. Miss his chance, though, and long-term gametime might not be too forthcoming this season.