Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp has been completely impressed with Leighton Clarkson throughout pre-season, a participant he has described as ‘one of many greatest abilities in our membership’ prior to now.
The 19-year-old has come off the bench in three friendlies over the summer time, together with most not too long ago within the second half of the 3-1 win over Osasuna on Monday night time.
The midfielder has made three first staff appearances for the Reds, together with one within the Champions League final season, and will probably be hoping to interrupt into Klopp’s plans extra recurrently this marketing campaign, though he has additionally been linked with a mortgage transfer to Blackburn Rovers.
Klopp will probably be contemplating protecting him at Anfield, although, after a formidable efficiency on Monday night time.
‘How Leighton Clarkson confirmed up when he got here on!’ Klopp stated. ‘He just isn’t the tallest, however he has an enormous coronary heart and performed tremendous soccer, so when he performs as a No.6 he can win challenges.
‘He could not stand up within the air, however he can play alongside the bottom. I actually preferred it tonight.
‘It was actually good and the way it ought to be. The final line defended properly collectively, and the objectives we scored had been excellent.’
Speaking earlier this yr, Klopp might hardly reward Clarkson extremely sufficient, evaluating him to Germany and Bayern Munich Philipp Lahm.
‘Leighton is likely one of the greatest abilities in our membership, he’s been there for ages. He’s a midfielder, a quantity six sort, can play eight as properly,’ stated Klopp.
‘He’s a really proficient, good football-playing boy. In Germany there’s a well-known participant who performed just like him, you might need to return a bit of bit longer, I don’t need to put strain on the boy.
‘But he jogs my memory numerous him. He’s only a good footballer, a sensible footballer, quick, bodily robust. If you see his legs they aren’t like 19-year-old boy legs, they’re already grown.
‘I’m actually comfortable to offer him that chance as a result of he deserves it.’
Clarkson has been coaching with the primary staff all through pre-season and feels he’s making nice progress along with his recreation.
‘I really feel each single day since I began up right here that I’ve improved every single day,’ he stated earlier this month. ‘That comes from the supervisor, that comes from the gamers. Playing with higher gamers will get you higher as a participant. I really feel like I’m enhancing every single day.
‘The professionalism [the players show], they’re the gamers they’re for a motive.
‘Everything off the pitch – reminiscent of weight-reduction plan and the way they put together themselves earlier than matches and coaching periods – is unbelievable to see.
‘I’ve been with the primary staff for fairly some time however attending to know the gamers each single day, it’s one thing that doesn’t come round too usually. Obviously you pursue it and it’s simply good getting recommendation.’
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