Harry Wilson could be the next big thing from Liverpool Academy

Liverpool is famous for the upbringing of its academy graduates. Trent Alexander-Arnold was the latest name to make an impact on the first team graduating from the Liverpool academy. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Raheem Sterling etc. are some of the players who have made a big impact on world football and who also have come up the ranks of Liverpool’s youth system.

Just a few weeks ago, Trent Alexander Arnold was termed as the most valuable full-back in the world at a value of €117.2 million, by the CIES Football Observatory. At just 20 years of age, he is considered one of the best right-backs in the world.

Another Liverpool academy graduate who is currently in the spotlight is Derby County’s Harry Wilson, who is currently on a loan from Liverpool. Just a few days ago, he played a vital role in Derby’s comeback victory against Premier League side Southampton in a FA Cup game.

Derby was two goals down but Wilson had other thoughts. Wilson scored the team’s first goal through a sublime free-kick from a narrow-angle in the 76th minute. He then set up Derby’s second six minutes later, after his cross from the right side was nodded in by Waghorn. Derby eventually went on to win the game on penalties.

The Derby loan has seemed quite successful for both Wilson and Liverpool. The 21-year-old joined Liverpool back in 2005 and received his first professional contract 10 years later. He was considered to be a massive talent but faced many injuries during his youth career, which kept him sidelined for months and the dream of playing for Liverpool’s first team seemed too far back then. But two very successful loan spells at Derby and Hull City in the last two years might have earned him Klopp’s nod for Liverpool’s first team from the start of next season.

The Welsh winger has scored nine goals for Derby in the Championship this season. He has scored a total of five direct free kicks this season, including the stunner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a Carabao Cup game this season. He has played a big role in Frank Lampard’s team this season. He loves to score goals from distance, likes to cut inside like other wingers and score curlers into the far corner of the goal.

Klopp is very delighted with Wilson’s progress over the years and has hinted that Wilson will be in his first team plans from next season. The 21-year-old is full of energy, passion, and aggression just like a typical Klopp player. He can play the role of a perfect back up to the Liverpool attackers Salah, Firmino, and Mane.

If Wilson continues to perform at this pace, he will surely fix his spot in Klopp’s starting 11 in a few years from now. If Lallana leaves Liverpool this summer, Klopp will already have his replacement ready without needing any investment for other players.