Liverpool
Some Liverpool fans think Jurgen Klopp could name Billy Koumetio in squad on Sunday
A number of Liverpool fans believe Reds gem Billy Koumetio could be named in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time tomorrow.
The Liverpool academy defender was one of several youth team players called up to first-team training by Jurgen Klopp during the international break.
Despite having just turned 18, the 6ft 3in centre-back has already wowed Klopp, who spoke highly of him in August, when Liverpool were in Austria preparing for the upcoming season.
(Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Billy the kid. He doesn’t look like a kid!” Klopp told the Reds media team. “In my opinion, his face looks like a kid but then all the rest is like, wow!
“I told him, ‘Last time I saw you, you were like 20 centimetres less if I’m right.’ That’s pretty special. Yes, he’s a big talent.”
Liverpool have been severely affected by injuries in their ranks, particularly in defence.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez could miss the remainder of the season with long-term knee injuries, leaving Joel Matip as the only recognised senior centre-back at the club.
If Fabinho lined up in midfield – and with Jordan Henderson sidelined, it could well be the case – then Nathaniel Phillips or Rhys Williams would start alongside Matip.
And given that Koumetio wasn’t in the squad for Liverpool Under-23s against their Southampton counterparts today, some fans thought this was a clue that the youngster could be in the squad.
Here is what supporters have been saying on social media:
Van Den Burg in the team. Rhys Williams and Koumetio not involved…. https://t.co/0ZrXk07LM5
— John Gibbons (@johngibbonsblog) November 21, 2020
As expected, no sign of Rhys Williams for #LFCU23s today but there is no Billy Koumetio either 👀
Jake Cain and Leighton Clarkson also not involved, will we see them involved in the first team squad tomorrow? https://t.co/D5lTUlhUih
— Jack Gill (@jacklfcgill) November 21, 2020
Noticeable absencees. Cain, Clarkson, Rhys.
Koumetio? https://t.co/XjnONDHr8H— Top Tier* (@footyandlfc) November 21, 2020
No Rhys, Phillips or Koumetio for the u23s.
— Quinton (@futebolbaseroom) November 21, 2020
Koumetio, Clarkson and Cain all on the bench tomorrow? https://t.co/VRRp2ZVOOV
— B (@SturridgeStrike) November 21, 2020
Koumetio not in the squad for U23s👀
— Zayn Ahmed (@SourMilc) November 21, 2020
