Mateusz Musialowski is proving he can thrive at Premier League 2 level with a “fantastic” performance in Liverpool’s thumping 3-0 victory over Arsenal, U23 coach Barry Lewtas has told the club’s official website.
After scoring eight goals in just 19 games for Liverpool U18s last season, the promising Pole certainly deserves his opportunity at a higher level.
And it’s a chance he’s grasping with both hands, a performance full of quality and finesse setting the tone for a one-sided victory over a Gunners side sitting seven places and eight points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League 2 table.
Musialowski scored twice in a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea in September.
But, on his 18th birthday, the teenager made sure he had something to celebrate in front of a gleeful Anfield crowd, opening the scoring in style after a clever flick-on from Paul Glatzel.
Musialowski stars as Liverpool U23s thump Arsenal
“Maty has stepped up to the U23s this season after doing ever so well playing for the U18s,” says Lewtas.
“It is a step up to this level but I think in the game against Chelsea and again today, they are real yardsticks for him. He was fantastic in possession but worked ever so hard out of possession as well.
“He’s a young boy and he’s still learning the game but, whenever he got the ball out there, you thought something was going to happen – and that’s the ability he has got.”
Glatzel, a prolific goalscorer at youth level, netted the second himself with a sublime solo effort – returning to Liverpool for a one-off appearance after struggling for game time on loan at Tranmere Rovers. Local lad James Norris completed the rout.
“It was good for Paul and it was great to have him back. You know what you are going to get from him. He’s a real pest to the opposition and you wouldn’t want to play against him because he’s always there. He presses and he runs in behind,” adds Lewtas.
“You can see (Glatzel) has been out on loan because I saw a real maturity in his game. I thought it was a really good, mature performance. That goal will do him the world of good and I’m really pleased for Paul.
“I was also really pleased for James. He did brilliantly to win the ball and it was a great finish.”
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