Premier League giants Liverpool have just sold a player who ‘has very similar qualities’ to James Maddison as Leighton Clarkson secures his permanent switch to Aberdeen.
Back in 2021, after the diminutive midfielder forced his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team thinking, the Liverpool boss drew comparisons between Leighton Clarkson and one Philipp Lahm due to his intelligence on the ball and his tactical flexibility.
After joining Aberdeen on loan last summer, however, Clarkson proved that there was more to his game than well-placed passes and intelligent positioning.
The England U20 international scored six goals and set up nine more; his creative streak and his exquisite long-range shooting leading Dons legend Willie Miller to mention Clarkson in the same breath as a man who has come a long way since his own short-term spell at Pittodrie.
“Clarkson is a tremendous talent who reminds me of James Maddison,” Miller tells the Press and Journal. “When I see what Maddison achieved, I can’t help but think that is also all there for Clarkson as well.”
Maddison, who spent the second half of the 2016/17 campaign at Aberdeen, is now an England regular, not to mention a £50 million target for both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Liverpool sell Leighton Clarkson to Aberdeen
“It is a high bar when you start comparing Clarkson to Maddison,” Miller adds. “But why not?Clarkson has very similar qualities to Maddison. He is also superb on the ball, can score from set-pieces, and asserts a huge influence on games.
“Clarkson is an extremely exciting talent with his whole career ahead of him. Securing the midfielder on a long-term contract until summer 2027 is a fabulous deal from Aberdeen. Anyone who watched the midfielder play will realise he is a huge talent.
“That became pretty evident within minutes of his debut for Aberdeen when he scored a sensational goal in the 4-1 defeat of St Mirren in August.”
Aberdeen reportedly fought off competition from the likes of Rangers, Celtic and a number of clubs in England’s second tier before landing Clarkson on an undisclosed fee. A deal that had Dons boss Barry Robson grinning from ear to ear.
“There is no doubt Leighton had a positive impact during his time with us last season,” Robson tells the Dons website. “Its hugely encouraging that he has now chosen this club as his home.
“He is a brilliant prospect and exactly the type of player we want here at the club. He’s young, hungry, and technically very good.
“He was much admired for the creativity he brought on the pitch. And (he) showed a real affinity with the supporters during his time at Pittodrie last season.”
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