Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has told the club’s official website that he was impressed with Leighton Clarkson in the friendly against Blackburn Rovers.
On Thursday afternoon, Liverpool played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Blackburn. Liverpool ran out convincing winners, hammering Rovers 6-0.
Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino had Liverpool 3-0 up at the break. Joel Matip then added a fourth, before Ki-Jana Hoever and Clarkson got themselves on the scoresheet.
Klopp was able to see a number of young players feature, and with Liverpool set to win the title, there could be real opportunities for these talented prospects to play in the first team.
The focus will largely be on the likes of Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Rhian Brewster to make an impact, but Clarkson has done himself no harm.
The 18-year-old, ironically born in Blackburn, has managed to pick up two first-team appearances this season, featuring in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
Klopp hailed the teenager, branding his goal ‘so nice’ whilst praising his ability to pick the ball up as a number six and play out from the back, believing that Clarkson already has a strong base to build from whilst also praising teammate Jake Cain.
“It is just so nice. Not only the goal, but when you see the situations when he came on, I think the first pass was between the two strikers, he got it in the No.6 position where he is calm, turns and passes the ball out,” said Klopp. ”We can teach the boys a lot, but they have to bring a lot. Obviously the basis for Leighton is not too bad and Jake [Cain] did really well, as well,” he added.
With Pedro Chirivella leaving this summer, there may be a chance for a young number six to step up and compete behind Fabinho. After these comments, it may well be Clarkson who does that.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
