Why Liverpool would be quite smart to utilise their 23-year-old oucast this season without loaning him out

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Sourav Ghosh

Why Liverpool must utilise the talented Harry Wilson as a proper plan B this season

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).

manchester united v derby county carabao cup third round
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Harry Wilson of Derby County celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal by holding up five fingers to the Manchester United supporters during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on September 25, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

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.

Why Harry Wilson can be a proper Plan B for Jurgen Klopp this season

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.

aston villa v liverpool premier league
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool reacts after Aston Villa score their fourth goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on October 04, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell – Pool/Getty Images)

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.

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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.