Liverpool Under-23s manager Neil Critchley thinks that 19-year-old Rhian Brewster is set for a huge opportunity in pre-season.
The striker is getting back to full fitness after a serious injury has seen him sidelined for over a year – he’s now made two appearances for the U23s – and cirumstances this summer could propel him onto the big stage.
Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are all in action over the summer, at the Copa America and the Africa Cup of Nations, and that could clear the decks for Brewster to prove he deserves his shot.
Talking to the Liverpool Echo, Crtichley said, “After over a year out, Rhian has had 70 minutes against Leicester and then another 70 minutes against Blackburn.
“Hopefully he can keep building on his fitness. The training is going to be important for him over the next few weeks. Pre-season will be key time for him. Fingers crossed he can build up his rhythm and his momentum. Hopefully next season we’ll see more of what we know he’s capable of.”
Critchley also said that Liverpool fans might see a different Brewster to the one they remember. “He looks much bigger physically,” Critchley said. “That time out as a young player gives you the opportunity to develop your body. You’ve not got football every day. He looks maturer and has more muscle mass and strength.”
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Brewster made the bench just over a year ago for the game against Crystal Palace and then suffered an injury that has kept him on the sidelines ever since. However, it sounds like he’s made the most of it, with Critchley claiming the year out has let him develop his body, with more muscle mass. That could make a key difference to a player who always looked like he had the talent to succeed. It’s so hard getting a look-in in a Liverpool side that boasts such rich attacking talent but with all three players likely to be late to pre-season, it gives Brewster a chance to prove he can be the player Jurgen Klopp looks to when he wants to give any of his power three a rest. The League Cup could also be the perfect place for Brewster to be introduced. It sounds like the plan is to see if he’s ready for the first-team though and not to send him out on loan.