Morrison may be ‘next Liverpool senior debutant’ after what he did v Stuttgart
Arne Slot has shown that he is not afraid to put his faith in youth several times during his first season as Liverpool manager.
The Dutchman has handed the likes of Rio Ngumoha, Amara Nallo and Trent Kone-Doherty their senior debuts against Accrington Stanley (11 January), PSV (29 January) and Plymouth Argyle (9 February) in recent weeks.
There may not be another chance for youth players in this campaign after the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of the Championship strugglers.
However, if Slot is forced to utilise the academy at any point then Kieran Morrison may be the beneficiary after his latest exploits.
Kieran Morrison shines for Liverpool U19s against Stuttgart
The young Reds were 2-0 down to Stuttgart in the UEFA Youth League round of 32 clash in Germany when Morrison pulled one goal back.
The 18-year-old picked up the ball just inside the hosts’ half and picked out Kone-Doherty on the right flank, continued his run, and then was on hand to slot home when the Irishman pulled it back.
The latter then levelled the clash with a stunning drive across the goalkeeper from just inside the box to complete a first-half comeback for the Merseysiders.
Sky is the limit for Liverpool starlet Morrison
The Northern Ireland Under-19 international can play across the front three where his pace and finishing abilities are evident or in a deeper attacking midfield role where he can showcase his exceptional creativity and vision.
The Reds academy star has continued with fine form from last season, in which he scored 12 goals and notched four assists in 30 games.
He has notched six goals and five assists in 21 appearances for the Anfield outfit’s youth ranks this campaign as he continues to impress.
That includes three strikes in six in the Youth League matches, all against German opposition in RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart.
He was included on the bench for the 3-2 Champions League loss to PSV but did not make it onto the pitch to make his debut.
However, surely it is only a matter of time before he makes his bow for the senior side after his recent exploits for the youth ranks, Slot cannot ignore him for much longer.