Liverpool are set to enter a busy portion of their schedule with 5 games in the coming 15 days. And, they will be without one of their stars in Sadio Mane. Mane will be serving a 3-game ban for his red card in the Manchester City game so he will be unavailable in 3 of the 5 games. However, Jürgen Klopp does not appear to be concerned.
In his Friday press conference, Klopp pointed out that they knew there would be times Mane and others would not be available and are prepared for it. "That's how we reacted in building the squad, so we have options," the manager stated. So, what are the options?
One player who many Liverpool supporters are excited to see more of is teenage sensation Ben Woodburn. Woodburn has starred for the youth squad and the U-23 Liverpool teams. In addition, is his few opportunities with the senior squad he has also shone flashes of brilliance, including when he scored for Liverpool vs Leeds United in a League Cup match last season. More recently, Ben Woodburn made his International debut for Wales and immediately changed the game for the better. In fact, he scored the winning goal after a lengthy 0-0 deadlock for Wales against Austria. In Wales next game he also came in and impressed with this pace and skill changing the momentum of the game.
All of this has Reds supporters salivating to see the teenager in action for Liverpool. He seems to rise to the moment. So, with the absence of Mane and the busy schedule, Jürgen Klopp has to be considering the youngster as one of his options correct?
Not so fast.
During his Friday press conference, Klopp detailed his squad depth and his options to replace Mane. In fact, he pointed to 3 options the manager has. Unfortunately, none of the 3 are Ben Woodburn. It appears Jürgen Klopp is pumping the brakes on the Woodburn express. And perhaps understandably so. It is a long season and I'm sure we will see Ben Woodburn more than once for the senior squad. But it's also early in the year and Klopp does have plenty of options.
So, who are the 3 options Klopp is considering? First, he pointed to Roberto Firmino who has been playing the center forward position for Klopp. However, the manager pointed out that Firmino has played the left wing so that is an obvious option. This would allow another forward, Sturridge or Solanke, to see more time. The next option is Philippe Coutinho who just made his return to Liverpool. Last year, Coutinho saw plenty of time on the wing and this would be an obvious consideration. Finally, newcomer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another consideration. Oxlade-Chamberlain has had limited opportunity to see playing time thus far this season and his versatility means Klopp can play him up front on the wing or in the midfield. This stretch is a great time to give Oxlade-Chamberlain more time.
So why not Woodburn? The answer is simple. Klopp is being cautious with his teenage talent. He understands the development of young players and the pressures of playing in the senior squad. Klopp will give Woodburn opportunities this season but will also be cautious as he does not want to stunt his development. And, a lack of confidence due to struggling in the senior squad could harm the youngster. Look for Klopp to pick his opportunities carefully to find the best situation for Woodburn.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Jürgen Klopp said "There are so many stories from the past when very young boys showed up and later you didn't hear anything of them anymore. It will not happen with Ben."
And that is good news for Liverpool and for Ben Woodburn, even if it means supporters need to stay patient.