Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson is more like senior midfielder Jordan Henderson than fellow central star Fabinho, according to journalist Matt Addison.
Speaking on the Liverpool Echo’s Blood Red podcast, the reporter, who follows Liverpool’s under-18s and under-23s, says that the 17-year-old is a defensive midfielder with a skillset more closely aligned with English international Henderson over his Brazilian counterpart in the middle of the pitch.
The young talent, who has no senior experience yet, has been pictured in training with the senior side under Jurgen Klopp and is said to be eyeing further first-team opportunities as he closes in on his 18th birthday.
Addison said on the academy episode of the Blood Red podcast: “He kind of plays as a number six – but more of a Jordan Henderson number six than a Fabinho.
“He’s very good on the ball, and he has a brilliant eye for a pass, as do one or two of those U18 players Liverpool have got. For him to be training with the first team at 17 is absolutely fantastic.
“He shortly turns 18 so he’ll be looking for more opportunities to train with the first team in the coming weeks, and what an experience for him to learn from the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.”
Opinion
There might be some fans out there who would rather have another Fabinho coming through their ranks than a Henderson but it is still extremely promising for the Reds. The England international has shown his immense worth over the years, bringing energy, leadership and quality on the ball to Jurgen Klopp’s side and if Clarkson can pick up the same traits in his developmental years, he could go on to become some player. The fact he is already in first-team training suggests he is extremely highly rated by the staff at Anfield and putting him among the senior players means he can pick up the tricks of the trade. The only way he is going to become a better player is by testing himself and playing alongside and against the champions of Europe is not a bad way to start off your fledgeling career. He has a long way to go, but this shows he has a bright future ahead of him.
