Jurgen Klopp has hailed the exploits of Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke and insisted his development is best served by staying at Anfield.
Speaking at his media conference on Friday about Solanke, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo live blog (12.16pm), the manager insisted he is a big admirer of the 21-year-old and keen for him to remain at the club.
Solanke has not had a single minute of senior action this season but demonstrated his potential with two goals for England Under-21s in their 5-1 demolition of Denmark in midweek.
“We will see [about his future.],” Klopp said. “Nobody should worry about the future of English football. This could be the best U21 team ever when you think about who could play for the first-team, like Trent, [Ben] Chilwell, Loftus-Cheek, Rashford.
“It’s a bit difficult [Solanke’s] situation here but if Dom continues like he did so far then he will be fine.
“There’s nothing to say about short or long-term things. He is our player. If I have to decide it will stay like that.”
Klopp on Solanke: "We will see [what's in his future].
"This [England] U21 team could be the best in the world…and Solanke is the striker in the team.
"If Dom continues like he has then he will be fine. He is our player."https://t.co/HHQ7hlBGGW
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) November 23, 2018
OPINION
Solanke reminded Klopp of his ability – not to mention, actual existence – with his Under-21 international performance, scoring twice against Denmark as England extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches. Solanke’s first was a looping header but it was his second goal – a sensational back-heeled chipped finish – that got Twitter talking and prompted suggestions he should be getting more game time or, at least, promoted up the congested attacking player pecking order at Anfield. That would be a step too far. Solanke showed last season when he was a regular substitute that he is nowhere near the level of Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri, never mind the holy trinity of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. It would be in Solanke and Liverpool’s best interests if the youngster was loaned out to a club where he would play regularly in the second half of the season. Rather than the Anfield deep freeze, Solanke needs the heat of battle.