It has not been a stellar year for Liverpool’s raft of loan players this season.
Mirroring goings on back at the mothership, the campaign has generally been one of frustration for the Reds on temporary stays away from Anfield.
Harvey Elliott, for example, has been left in limbo after barely featuring for Aston Villa, while Liverpool have already recalled Owen Beck and James Balagizi from spells at Derby County and Forest Green Rovers respectively.
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Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
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But amid the disappointment, Luca Stephenson has continued to stand out as the exception to the rule. Stephenson has impressed Arne Slot in both of the Dutchman’s pre-seasons so far and has been one of the players of the season up in Scotland for Dundee United.
Having helped his club to a win over Celtic just before Christmas, the 22-year-old has now claimed that some of Liverpool’s senior players have been watching his performances with interest.
Luca Stephenson reveals messages from Liverpool stars
Although there may be a pathway to the first-team open to him, the most recent reports suggest that Liverpool will cash in on Stephenson next summer.
After contributing to seven goals in 19 appearances for United this season, he reportedly has suitors in the Championship.
Liverpool player Luca Stephenson in action during the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
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Before all of that, Stephenson will face Celtic again on Saturday. And looking back at the Tangerines’ win over the champions in December, he claimed that some Liverpool players had been watching that day.
“That win was up there with the best games since I came here,” Stephenson told The Courier. “You realise how many more eyes are on those games; people pick up on it more. People see you’re playing and that you beat Celtic.
“They had the highlights on Sky Sports the next day and the boys at Liverpool saw some of it in the canteen, so I got a few messages.”
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“A few of them were talking about how much we got ran ragged in the first half! But I just asked them, ‘c’mon, did you watch the second half?’”
Liverpool should really recall Stephenson
Although he has been playing in midfield for Dundee United, all of Stephenson’s work so far at Liverpool has come at right-back.
He looked a natural during pre-season, and with Conor Bradley looking likely to miss a while with injury, Stephenson could come back to fill in again.
While staying and playing regularly in Scotland would no doubt be better for the youngster’s longer-term development, a handful of games here and there for Liverpool would also serve him well.
Given how well he has done when thrown into men’s football, who knows, perhaps he would shine and make himself a regular in the Liverpool squad.
Amid a sea of poor loan moves, Stephenson has stood out as a man apart. Liverpool players have clearly been impressed, and if the coaches have too, there is a strong argument for bringing him back.
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