View: 81% Liverpool gem proves transfer call right after what he did for Liverpool v Brighton
Tyler Morton has proven Liverpool made the right decision by rejecting bids for the midfielder throughout the summer after his performance in the 3-2 win against Brighton on Wednesday (30 October).
The 21-year-old saw interest from Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen rebuffed in the summer [Daily Mail, 23 June] as Arne Slot saw his future best deemed at Anfield.
However, Morton has been resigned solely to Carabao Cup appearances thus far this season but has taken the opportunities presented to him, and assisted Cody Gakpo for the Reds’ opening goal at the Amex Stadium.
Liverpool have established the preferred midfield pairing under Slot this year but with Curtis Jones breaking the mould as of late, there is no reason Morton shouldn’t be allowed further opportunities after a promising outing in midweek.
Tyler Morton can force himself into first-team plans at Liverpool
The Reds, for the most part, looked dominant against Brighton with a heavily rotated side with Morton looking at home at the heart of the midfield in the face of Premier League opposition.
Indeed, the England Under-21s midfielder has faced top-flight English sides in his Carabao Cup appearances this season, having replaced Wataru Endo for an eight-minute cameo in the 5-1 win against West Ham United at Anfield.
While there was nothing to write home about from his outing against the Hammers, Morton did exactly as instructed with Liverpool holding a commanding lead and completed 100 per cent of his passes [Sofascore] to keep the opposition at bay.
However, his toughest task came when starting the match against a high-flying Brighton side currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, and he laid down a statement of intent with his performance.
Morton completed 81 per cent of his passes, including one key pass leading to the assist, and 50 per cent of his long balls [Sofascore].
His defensive work outperformed that of his senior midfield partner Endo, with three tackles, two interceptions, one clearance, as well as a ground duel success rate of 42 per cent.
Slot will need to lean heavily on the depth of his side in the coming weeks and, while the Dutchman will be pleased to progress to the quarter-finals of the cup, he will surely be more impressed with the calm and composed performance of Morton.
Hopefully the midfielder is now in line for more minutes amongst the gruelling fixture schedule ahead but, with a trip to St Mary’s on the cards in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, Liverpool supporters will surely see Morton strut his stuff against another Premier League opponent.
In other Liverpool news, one talented Reds player out on loan is causing a selection dilemma after what Slot said.
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