Liverpool loaned out talented youngster Ben Woodburn to EFL Championship side Sheffield United in the summer. Hence, it came as a huge surprise when the 19-year-old was named in the Reds’ U23 side for their fixture against Derby County U23 on Sunday.
Woodburn started on the left flank for his parent club but failed to make a significant impact as Liverpool were beaten 2-3 at their academy ground by the Rams. The Welshman’s inclusion in the starting XI did lead to a lot of confusion since Liverpool haven’t recalled him from his loan spell.
There was a simple explanation for it, however. As per the rules, Woodburn is allowed to play for Liverpool U23s as long as he is not picked in the squad for his loan club’s most recent fixture. With the teenager not having been part of the Blades’ squad for their 2-1 defeat against Derby County on Saturday, he was eligible to play for Neil Critchley’s side, which he did.
Truth be told, Woodburn hasn’t had the best of times on loan at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United. So far in the ongoing campaign, the teenage sensation has managed to make just six appearances in the Championship, only one of which was a start.
In total, the Wales international has clocked up just 144 minutes in the second division, along with an appearance in the Carabao Cup. As of now, he is without scoring or assisting a single goal. With boss Chris Wilder having found a settled combination that has led his team to the second position in the table, Woodburn has failed to make it to the matchday squad for his loan club for four games in a row now.
Woodburn, without a doubt, is one of the finest young talents to have come through the Liverpool youth setup in recent years. The 19-year-old became the Merseyside outfit’s youngest ever goalscorer when he scored in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Leeds United back in November 2016.
The prodigy made a similar impact on the international stages as well, scoring in his debut for Wales. However, given the competition for a spot in the Reds’ first-team, he will not find many opportunities coming his way. Till date, he has made 11 appearances for the senior team.
Since he is at a stage where he needs to be playing regularly to continue his development, it made sense for Liverpool to loan him out for the season to Sheffield United. However, with game time not at all forthcoming at Bramall Lane for the Welshman, the Merseysiders would be better off recalling him from loan once the transfer window opens in January.
First-team chances will not come at Anfield though, meaning Liverpool and Woodburn would both be best served by ending his loan spell with the Blades prematurely and possibly joining a different club for the rest of the campaign.
