Jurgen Klopp has youngster Leighton Clarkson training with the first-team at Melwood this week.
Liverpool’s boss often invites various talented U23 and U18 players to join his superstars, giving them an experience of what it’s like to be alongside some of the world’s very best.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Sepp van den Berg, Ki-Jana Hoever and Harvey Elliott are often with the first-team, but it’s Clarkson’s first time.
ICYMI: 17-year-old Leighton Clarkson joined Liverpool’s first team for training after an impressive start to the 19/20 campaign. [@LivEchoLFC] pic.twitter.com/9wxB1fs6d1
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) August 27, 2019
At 17, Clarkson signed his first pro-deal with the club in the summer, following his exploits in helping the U18s win the FA Youth Cup last term.
He plays in midfield and provides protection for his defence while being a smooth passer of the football.
We’re not going to see Clarkson in the first-team, or even on the bench, any time soon – but it’s good to see some of our U18s are progressing.
Right now, there’s a wealth of talent in the Academy, and we’re just excited to see who’ll be next to make the leap.
This season, Rhian Brewster is surely the most likely to get a consistent run of games at some point.