Phil Thompson raves about Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn

Follow us on Google Discover

Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson speaks highly of Ben Woodburn.

Former Liverpool footballer and Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson has showered praise on Ben Woodburn.

The 17-year-old striker grabbed headlines earlier this month when he scored on his Wales debut.

The Liverpool youngster could be used against Leicester City in the Reds’ Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday night.

Thompson says Woodburn is “absolutely top notch”, who has got the right temperament to be a success at this level.

He says that Woodburn was cool and composed for Wales and made full use of the opportunity presented before him.

“As you can see from his goal for Wales, he’s absolutely top notch,” said Thompson to Sky Sports. “It’s all about your composure and accepting your chance without letting it get to you and I think he’s got all of that.

“You see young players snatching at chances but he was cool and composed for Wales. You could see he’s got the right temperament and you just hope he gets the playing time.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to make changes in the squad for the cup game, with cup game, and youngsters and fringe players may be given a chance to may be given chance to impress.

In that case, Woodburn has a high chance of starting the game for the Reds.

Thompson says that the youngster has not been in the matchday squad this season, but he should be making the best use of the limited opportunities in cup games.

He adds that the player has got a big future ahead of him, but he fears that he would struggle to get regular games at Anfield.

Thompson says that Liverpool gave Michael Owen the platform at 17, but they had no other options at that time. Klopp has plenty of options around him, and therefore Woodburn will have to remain patient for his chances.

“You can see the comparisons with Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler but I do just fear it is hard for him to get the game time. Daniel Sturridge is struggling to get in the team so it’s extremely difficult,” Thompson added.

“I think he’s got a really big future but he’s got to be patient. He is only 17 and it’s no good getting upset because he’s not getting games.

“He seems a grounded lad and he needs to be aware that it is just part of his process. Liverpool needed Owen when he was 17 because they didn’t really have anyone else but Klopp has Roberto Firmino, Sturridge and Dominic Solanke, but I think giving Woodburn a chance is one of the reasons they let Divock Origi go [out on loan].”