A lot has been made about Liverpool’s attacking options over the last fortnight or so.
Roberto Firmino has come under fire from all angles, and the prevailing feeling amongst those talking about Liverpool is that they need a new number nine this summer.
There have been links to Jonathan David, Erling Haaland and even Kylian Mbappe lately, but perhaps another option is already within the club’s ranks.
Indeed, Layton Stewart is making waves in the youth teams, and we have to imagine that the idea of bringing him into the first-team picture has crossed Jurgen Klopp’s mind.
Klopp hasn’t been shy to hand youngsters opportunities in the past. The likes of Curtis Jones, Neco Williams and Rhys Williams have been given plenty of chances lately, and perhaps Stewart should be next.
17 goals in 16 games for the Reds’ youth teams this season is a record that speaks for itself, and the youngster recently admitted that he’s even done a bit of training with the first-team.
Now, we’re not suggesting that he should come in and immediately usurp Firmino as the Reds’ first-choice striker, that would be ridiculous.
However, giving him a shot in the coming months while he’s in good form for the youth teams may be worthwhile, it will allow him to grow accustomed to what senior football is like, and perhaps it will light a fire under Firmino if his position comes under threat from an 18-year-old.
If Stewart continues scoring at such a rate, it surely won’t be long until he gets his first-team debut, and perhaps there’s no time like the present for Klopp to unleash this teenage prodigy.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
