Champions League winger torments Barcelona after admitting failed Liverpool trial

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Royal Antwerp winger Chidera Ejuke dazzled against Barcelona just hours after he commented on a failed trial with Liverpool.

A number of players have been on trial at Liverpool over the years, with plenty simply not up to the standard required at Anfield.

It’s not often you see those trialists shine in the Champions League down the line, but that is the case with winger Chidera Ejuke.

Nigerian wide man Ejuke told Het Nieuwsblad on Wednesday that he had a trial with Liverpool as a kid and trained with the youth team for a week.

Ejuke immediately started dreaming of becoming a first-team player but the Reds decided that he wasn’t good enough and didn’t offer him a contract.

Who is Chidera Ejuke?

Ejuke moved to Norway with Valerenga, landing his move to Europe after Liverpool turned him away.

The Nigerian showed huge promise in Norway and landed himself a move to Heerenveen, continuing to shine in the Netherlands.

CSKA Moscow came calling in 2020, but he spent last season out on loan with Hertha Berlin as they relegated from the Bundesliga.

Now out on loan again with Royal Antwerp, the 25-year-old has recorded just three goals and no assists in 14 games this season.

It’s hard to argue that Liverpool missed out here, but Ejuke gave Barcelona absolute nightmares on Wednesday night…

Former Liverpool trialist Ejuke shines against Barcelona

Ejuke lined up on the left flank for Antwerp as they hosted Barcelona in their final game of the Champions League group stage.

Already knocked out, Antwerp turned in their best performance of the competition so far as they beat Barcelona 3-2 in Belgium.

George Ilenikhena’s injury-time winner handed Antwerp the win, but only after a superb display from Ejuke.

Ejuke racked up a ridiculous nine successful dribbles, as noted by WhoScored, going past Barcelona players for absolute fun.

Add in one shot, three key passes and two accurate crosses and Ejuke was a constant menace to the Barcelona back line.

Ejuke may never reach Liverpool’s level but he has shown his quality on the biggest stage – and that may attract interest from other Premier League sides.