OPINION
On-loan Derby County winger Harry Wilson provided his parent club Liverpool with a reminder of his effervescent quality against Manchester United on Tuesday night.
The Wales international scored a sumptuous free kick in the 2-2 draw that Frank Lampard’s side would go on to win on penalties in the Carabao Cup.
Wilson’s performance will have been an encouraging sign for Jurgen Klopp, after the German demonstrated his faith in the 21-year-old wonderkid by handing him a long-term contract this summer.
It’s imperative that the potential Wilson is showing at Pride Park doesn’t go to waste once he returns to Anfield at the end of the season.
And for that to happen, Adam Lallana, a player who operates in a similar position to Wilson, must be sacrificed. The England international is an incredibly gifted footballer, but he simply cannot stay fit.
If you cannot regularly make it onto the pitch it doesn’t matter how good you are. The former Southampton man has ceased to be a reliable option for Klopp, and at this point he stands in the way of youngsters like Wilson making the impact that they should.
Lallana, on a reported £65,000-per-week at Anfield [Source: Spotrac], has been incredibly unlucky with injuries, it’s true, but Klopp must prioritise the future.
Wilson has shown in the Championship this season that he has the potential to be a quality player. He’s quick, skilful and, as he showed against United, a dead-ball specialist.
Lallana is 30 years of age now, so even if he were to find consistent fitness he’s not going to be around forever. Instead, Wilson must feature in the first team picture on his return from Derby next summer.
One of the trademarks of this Liverpool team is speed. Klopp’s side are quick to press, quick to counter and quick with their decision making.
For all that Lallana is, he’s not quick. He’s a very intelligent player, but he too often slows down this rapid Liverpool team. The Liverpool attack was night and day in the Champions League before and after Lallana replaced Mohamed Salah.
Wilson, on the other hand, is extremely quick. He simply fits into Klopp’s team better than Lallana does, that’s indisputable when you look at the two of them play.
Following the conclusion of what will surely be a hugely successful season with Derby, Wilson needs to be pressed into the first team squad from next season onwards – and for that Lallana must make way.
