Ben Woodburn has failed to make the Liverpool team this season and, even at 18, it is important he sees the pitch next term.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the standout stars of the season for Liverpool, making his mark on the first-team.
The England youth international had started only two Premier League games prior to this campaign, yet he is now starring in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Liverpool have other young prospects coming through, too, but Ben Woodburn – surely the next successful academy graduate – has struggled to match Alexander-Arnold’s achievements.
Woodburn was in the same place as Alexander-Arnold a year ago. However, he has not made a single Premier League or Champions League appearance this season.
Even at 18, this has been a year of stagnation for a player that looked set to make an impact at a very young age, failing to capitalise on Philippe Coutinho’s departure.
Woodburn cannot have another year like this or his promise will start to wane, meaning he, Jurgen Klopp and the club must make an early decision on his future.
The Wales international would perhaps have top-flight loan suitors and could certainly attract interest from clubs in the Championship or abroad where he would also get the chance to play.
Indeed, Woodburn could even see some pitch time this week against Stoke City if Klopp rests key Liverpool men for the trip to Roma.
Even if that is the case, though, the teenager should not settle for another season with only fleeting appearances.
Unless he is going to be a regular at Liverpool next year – as Alexander-Arnold has been this term – he must look for a loan.
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