Liverpool Vs Sheffied United

KO: 8pm

Anfield

Sky Sports

24th of October 2020

Looking ahead, to tonight’s match against Sheffield United; I thought I would focus on doing a player profile as a match preview. I wanted to take the opportunity to assess the recent move of former Red Rhian Brewster to the Blades.

The 20-year-old looks set to make his full debut for Sheffield United, following his £23.5 million move to Bramall Lane earlier this month.

Many red fans had high hopes that the young striker would one day be a possible successor to Roberto Firmino and lead the line for Liverpool in the future. That may still be the case, with Liverpool shrewdly adding a buy-back clause in Brewster’s deal.

It was a transfer that made sense for everyone concerned, even if it left sections of supporters feeling down over his exit. At £23.5m with sell-on and buy-back clauses for a player that never featured or scored in the Premier League for Liverpool, can only be seen has a considered business move.

Since Klopp’s arrival, the champions have established themselves, as one of the ultimate destinations in world football, as opposed to a stepping stone, which was the norm before the “normal one” arrived. Of course, playing at Anfield in front of the Kop, is a dream for most players but an honor shared by only a lucky few. The club recognised, in the case of Brewster that to keep the youngster would be selfish on their part, as game time would be limited.

Klopp assessed Brewster, by stating ““If I am selfish that never helps really to be honest. I need a player in the right place and at the right moment so that means he is ready to fight.” Going on about the young forward “couldn’t make it here so far but he has made big steps in his development.”

Liverpool continues to promote an ethos that cares about their players, and when player seeks to leave Anfield, their welfare and future prospects are balanced in any commercial considerations. Brewster, at 20 years old, wanted regular first-team football, an opportunity not immediately available to him at Anfield.

Liverpool fans, contrast Brewster’s departure, with the future of fellow striker Divock Origi. The 25 year old Belgian international, who is yet to play this season, was rumoured for a potential summer move from Liverpool. A frequent contributor of important goals, Origi’s consistency, and ability to push Firmino, Mane, and Sane for a starting berth continue to raise doubts about his Anfield future. Should the Reds have opted to retain Brewster and release Origi?

Klopp offered an insight to the clubs thinking ” If Rhian would be now 25, 26 I would say ‘OK, you can stay and work for your chance and then don’t say I didn’t say you couldn’t stay”.”But it is a different situation when you are younger,
[it is important] a player like Rhian in this position upfront makes now the next steps and uses the time he lost during the serious injury so it is possible a move to another club would make sense.

Brewster joined from Chelsea as a 15-year-old, Klopp’s commitment to youth underlines that if you make the grade you will get the opportunity, unfortunately the grade at Anfield is now world class. The Reds have earned the reputation that encourages young players to come to Anfield, even if it does not mean they will make it for the first-team. That is the pulling power of a club with the might of Liverpool.

It will interesting tonight to see how Rhian will play against his former club. The striker will look to capitalise on Liverpool’s makeshift defence and the secure an away win for the Blades. It’s been a difficult start for Chris Wilder’s team, who picked up their first point of the season last weekend with a 1-1 draw with Fulham. For the reds, its all about the three points!

Finally, I do hope to see Rhian back in a Red’s shirt very soon!

Categories: Uncategorized