Liverpool will entrust former coach Neil Critchley with the development of young defender Adam Lewis, according to The Sun (17 May, page 57), as the Anfield starlet closes in on a loan move to Blackpool.
A man who worked wonders with Liverpool’s U23 side, before leading a team full of kids to a famous FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town in February, is held in very high regard at Anfield despite walking away to take the reigns at Blackpool two months ago.
With Critchley retaining an excellent relationship with the reigning European champions, do not be surprised if Bloomfield Road is home to a whole host of fresh-faced starlets over the next few years.
20-year-old Lewis looks ready for first-team football after shining behind the scenes on Merseyside. The Sun claims that a loan spell at Blackpool is now on the cards, with Liverpool understandably entrusting Critchley with a left-back of real potential.
Lewis started that FA Cup triumph against the Shrews recently with Critchley on the touchline.
“I’m delighted for Adam because he’s someone that, from a personal point of view, I really like,” Critchley told the Liverpool website after a bizarre and unique game of football.
“We have shared quite a bit over the last few years. That was a really special moment for Adam and you could see how much it meant. I was so made up for him.”
If the England U20 international makes the step up to senior football at Blackpool, Lewis could return to Liverpool this time next year, with genuine ambitions to challenge Andy Robertson for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
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