CHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Harry Wilson of Liverpoolduring the Pre-season friendly between Chester FC and Liverpool on July 7, 2018 in Chester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
A rather surprising name lined up for Liverpool in their EFL Cup tie versus Arsenal. Harry Wilson, who has been with the club since 2005, got to make his first professional start for the club after 5 years.
The 23-year-old Welsh forward spent 10 years in the youth teams at Liverpool before being loaned out to Crewe Alexandra. On his return, he spent the next season at the U-23 level.
Three successive loan spells followed from 2017 to 2020. While his first spell, which was at Hull City, did not go well, it was his stint at Derby County that got him recognition. In 50 appearances, he scored 18 goals and provided 6 assists (source – Transfermarkt).
He spent last season at Bournemouth. While the club ended up getting relegated, Wilson did himself no harm with his performances. He contributed to 9 goals in 35 appearances. The youngster is also making his name in the Wales team with 17 caps and 3 goals so far.
Liverpool are blessed to have one of the best attacking tridents in the world. The band of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have caused plenty of trouble to opposition defences over the years. The trio complement each other so well that it’s sometimes hard to believe their chemistry.
However, a look beyond the first-team and you would start to get a bit worried, especially before the signing of Jota. Liverpool lacked players who could step up in the absence of the aforementioned trio.
This season looks a bit different though. The club have added to their forward line and introduced players like Minamino and Wilson into the fold. This gives them good and versatile backup options in case the first-team players need rest.
With last season ending just a bit more than a month ago, the new season is in full swing. Liverpool will have added pressure this season as they are the defending champions. Tha fans would also want them to challenge for the Champions League.
This is where a player like Harry Wilson could make Klopp’s job easier. While missing a penalty in the shootout may have been a cruel happening in your first match for the club in five years, Wilson is one of the most talented players at Klopp’s second string side.
He is capable of playing on the wings and also as an attacking midfielder. This solves a lot of problems that Klopp could have given how gruelling this season will be. He will need a good plan B to take down some of the easier opponents and Harry Wilson could be the man if he replicates the form he has shown in the last couple of years.
