Recently, Jürgen Klopp has had a few issues with his midfield options at Liverpool, after injuries to Naby Keita, James Milner, Thiago and Fabinho.
Thiago and Fabinho have returned, but Klopp has now lost Curtis Jones following a freak eye injury at the AXA Training Centre.
Amid this crisis, Klopp has given James Balagizi a chance to prove he’s capable of stepping up and slotting into midfield.
What’s the story?
Well, to the best of our knowledge, Balagizi trained with the Liverpool first-team for the first time ever ahead of tomorrow’s clash with West Ham.
The 18-year-old joined the likes of Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in training, in what must’ve been a special experience.
You can see a photo of Balagizi at the AXA Training Centre this morning below.
It’s nothing he doesn’t deserve, as the rampant midfielder has shone for the Under-18 side this season.
Balagizi has scored one goal and provided two assists in three U18 Premier League appearances this season.
What could James Balagizi offer Liverpool?
Of course, the Premier League is an entirely different animal to youth football, so expectations must be kept under control.
However, Balagizi has shown plenty to suggest he can handle the physical aspect of top-flight football in England.
The teenager’s physicality has drawn comparisons to Yaya Toure, as he looks to earn a debut under Klopp – he’s never played for the German before in a competitive game.
Speaking to the Blood Red podcast, the Secret Scout said: “There are similarities in his play like Yaya Toure – even down to how his sleeves are covered over his hands while playing – and he has a languid, effortless running style. He is the kind of midfielder that we don’t often see coming through in England.”
Liverpool don’t really have a rampaging midfield option who surges up the field like Toure used to, so you can see why Klopp might be keen to get Balagizi involved.
Keep an eye on the England Under-19 international, as he looks to be making excellent progress at Anfield.
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