Neil Critchley raves about Liverpool teen Leighton Clarkson who first-team staff are impressed by

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Liverpool U23 manager Neil Critchley has praised Leighton Clarkson’s recent performance and admitted that the first-team staff have been watching him, The Liverpool Echo reports.

Critchley was impressed by Clarkson’s impact as he came on as a substitute in the 4-3 win over Wolves’ U23 team. Clarkson came off the bench to play in central midfield and he even got on the scoresheet.

It was either Clarkson’s goal or a Dion Sanderson own goal but the Liverpool teen will be claiming it. That goal made it 4-1 to Liverpool, although two late Wolves goals made it nervy.

Critchley on Clarkson

Critchley is very impressed with Clarkson. He said (via The Liverpool Echo): “When he came on, we had lost some control in the game and we asked him to go on and gain control back and he did that. He is intelligent and very good technically, he found good positions on the pitch and used the ball well.

“And then he popped up in the box, whether it’s his goal or not it’s him making the run into the box from the cross from Curtis (Jones). Leighton has had some exposure with the senior squad at Melwood and I know the first-team staff have been happy with him as well.”

TBR’s view

Critchley has revealed that Clarkson is already a hit with the first-team staff. They like what they see in the 18-year-old and Jurgen Klopp will continue to have his eye on his progress.

What Clarkson needs is regular minutes in the U23 squad. Once he starts excelling in the academy, he will be ready for his first-team debut. He is certainly one to watch in the near future.