As Liverpool’s loan players approach the festive period, they are preparing to play more football than ever in their young careers. Their fitness and form will be questioned but being a part of a successful festive period is a great experience for any developing footballer. In this week’s Liverpool loan report, an attacker breaks his goal drought, a full-back regains his place, and a midfielder continues to struggle.
Liverpool Loan Report: Attacker Breaks Goal Drought
Lewis Koumas – Stoke City
Lewis Koumas scored his first goal since October as Stoke City lost 2-1 to Sunderland at The Stadium of Light. The youngster drove down the right, seeing his first shot saved by Anthony Patterson before reacting quickly to tap the rebound home. This was the Welsh international’s third league goal of the season in 12 starts. The 19-year-old’s goal put his side ahead but two Tom Watson goals meant The Potters were left waiting for their first win in a month.
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Koumas’ goal drought had seen him relegated to the bench for Stoke’s last few fixtures. The scrappy strike will hopefully give the youngster the confidence to continue to improve at the Championship level. Getting this level of experience as a teenager will only do the 19-year-old good in the long term.
Owen Beck – Blackburn Rovers
After filling in as a left-winger for a few matches, Owen Beck regained his position at left-back for a 1-0 win over Hull City that moved Blackburn Rovers into the playoff places. The 22-year-old played excellently, registering seven clearances, two blocks, two interceptions, and three tackles. The young defender will hope to retain his spot when his side travel to Sheffield Wednesday next week.
Stefan Bajcetic – RB Salzburg
Stefan Bajcetic and RB Salzburg continued to struggle as they drew 2-2 with Rapid Wein in a missed opportunity in the Austrian Bundesliga. The Spaniard completed 85% of his passes but only won two of his six duels as his side struggled to win possession. The 20-year-old was eventually substituted in the 71st minute with his team 2-1 up.
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Former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders is under pressure at Salzburg and it will be interesting to see what happens to Bajcetic’s loan deal if his manager is sacked in the future. Things don’t get any easier for the Austrian side when PSG visit in the Champions League this week.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – Valencia
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s Valencia suffered another agonising defeat when they lost 1-0 to Rayo Vallecano this weekend. The Georgian goalkeeper continued his poor recent form, failing to make a save. The 24-year-old’s team are now 19th in La Liga and the threat of relegation is becoming larger every week. The former Dinamo Tbilisi goalkeeper must improve if he wants to be seriously considered in the fight to be Liverpool’s number 1 next season.
Ben Doak – Middlesbrough
After a brilliant few weeks, Ben Doak returned to Earth with an okay performance as Middlesbrough drew 1-1 with Burnley. The 19-year-old completed 100% of his passes and 50% of his dribbles in a lively game but didn’t show any end product. The Scottish winger was eventually replaced in the 89th minute as manager Michael Carrick looked for something different.
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The game against Burnley was probably the biggest test yet of Doak’s Middlesbrough loan. He was up against on-loan Chelsea left-back Bashir Humphreys. It was a sign of what the young winger can expect if he moves up a division next season and while there is plenty for the 19-year-old to improve, he can be encouraged by his performance.
Luca Stephenson – Dundee United
Luca Stephenson struggled to impact the game as Dundee United Drew 1-1 at home to Kilmarnock. Lining up on the right of a midfield three, the 21-year-old only completed 71% of his passes and could only win six of his 13 duels. The versatile youngster was having an excellent season at right-wing-back before being switched to centre-midfield to accommodate for the return of Ryan Strain.
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Stephenson is still doing a decent job in midfield but looked way more comfortable on the flanks, where he gets more space and time on the ball. The 21-year-old will look to improve in his new role when Dundee travel to Motherwell next week.
Nat Phillips – Derby County
Starting on the right of a back three, Nat Phillips put in an excellent display even as Derby County lost 2-0 to Leeds United. The 27-year-old won six duels, registered four clearances, three interceptions, and four tackles in a gutsy defensive display. In his fifth league start of the season, the Liverpool cult hero showed that he is more than capable of being a regular starter in the Championship.
Rhys Williams – Morecambe
Morecambe’s three-game unbeaten run was emphatically ended as Grimsby Town beat them 3-0 at the Globe Arena. Rhys Williams was kept busy throughout the encounter, making five clearances and winning six duels. However, there was nothing he could do to stop the quality of the visitors as his slide slipped further behind in the League 2 relegation battle.
U21 Action for Out of Favour Liverpool Loan Player
Kaide Gordon was in action for Norwich’s U21 side this weekend. Playing 88 minutes for The Canaries youngsters as they beat PSV 2-0. The 20-year-old hasn’t played senior football since November 23 and a recall is likely in January. Wigan pair Calvin Ramsay and Luke Chambers remain injured as does Millwall left-back Calum Scanlon. Goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga is still second choice at Livingston.