Stewart has only been used from the bench for the first team so far this season.
Liverpool’s Kevin Stewart in action with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi
Liverpool midfielder Kevin Stewart has told the club’s official website that he is pleased to have the trust of manager Jürgen Klopp whenever he comes off the bench in the closing stages of games.
Stewart has yet to start a game for the Reds this season, after something of a breakthrough during the second half of the last campaign when he featured pretty regularly as Klopp rotated his side to deal with a demanding fixture schedule.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge speaks with Kevin Stewart
This season, Stewart has made four appearances from the bench in the closing stages of games in the Premier League – mostly for just a minute or so in order for the side to see games out, and featured in the second round EFL Cup win over Burton Albion.
The 23-year-old told the official Liverpool website: “Most of the time when I come on, we’re usually leading. So I guess it’s to see the game out and bring the energy levels up a bit to make sure everyone is still following runners and tackling.
“It is really difficult because you don’t know the intensity of the game or how it feels because you’ve not been involved. But it’s something you’ve got to do to help the team.
Liverpool’s Kevin Stewart in action with Watford’s Ben Watson
“I just watch closely to make myself feel as much a part of it as possible so when I do come on I don’t feel too much of a stranger. It’s hard as it is anyway, but the little percentages can help.”
It can be a hard task for a player to come into the game and immediately pick up the pace, but Klopp clearly has faith in Stewart.
At the age of 23, one could be forgiven for thinking that Stewart would feel he needs some more regular football and given Liverpool’s central midfield options, he may have to look elsewhere for it. But clubs needs players like Stewart who are happy to just play a part every now and then, which is what he seems prepared to do.
Squad players like that are pretty handy, and things a little easier for the manager.
Liverpool’s Kevin Stewart in action against Fleetwood
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
