4,000 Liverpool fans watch Bobby Adekanye dazzle on debut

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We wonder how long it will be before this Dutch wonderkid is promoted to the Under-21 side…?

There’s enormous hype surrounding Bobby Adekanye, with the 16-year-old wing-forward joining as a free agent this summer. We took advantage of the fact Barcelona acquired him illegally a few years back, meaning he wasn’t allowed to play for them – and instead shone on loan for PSV last term.

A few weeks back he signed his first professional contract with us, and made his youth team debut for a Liverpool development team at the weekend versus Cork City on Saturday night.

Adekanye completed countless successful dribbles, demanded the ball consistently and left the 4,000 watching supporters mightily impressed. He also set up the opening goal, scored by Yan Dhanda – before Toni Gomes confirmed a 2-0 victory.

Liverpool Under-18s coach Neil Critchley told the ECHO: “Bobby did well for the goal, beat his man and got a cross in. Toni Gomes made a good run to the front post and flicked it in across the goalkeeper.

“I think Bobby is going to catch the eye this year with his ability on the ball. He can play either side and he’s really quick with the ball at his feet.

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“He can shift the ball from a standing start and create space in two or three yards which makes him very dangerous. He can play either side as well and he’s going to cause problems for teams. He likes the ball to his feet and in one on one situations he’s going to create space for himself.

“He’s a great kid, he’s settled in really well with the lads and I’m delighted he’s joined us.”

We have a plethora of talented attacking midfielders in the academy. Adekanye joins Harry Wilson (full Welsh international), Sheyi Ojo, Herbie Kane and the aforementioned Dhanda – and it’ll be interesting to see if any of them can develop their talent and earn first-team strips like Jordon Ibe has.