Dundee United showed just how highly they think of Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson by handing him the captain’s armband for their clash with Motherwell on Saturday.
The 22-year-old is spending a second consecutive year on loan with the Scottish side, and has grown into a key player for Jim Goodwin.
Despite being the second youngest player on the pitch for Dundee, Stephenson skippered the team as they lost 2-0 against Motherwell.
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Liverpool coach Aaron Briggs pictured during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
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It is a huge feat for a player so young to captain any team, but to do it while on loan is relatively unheard of. It all points to just how far Stephenson has come during his near two years with Dundee, and Liverpool should reward his progress by giving him a genuine opportunity this summer.
Stephenson can be an option for Liverpool
While it is fair to say that playing for Dundee and playing for Liverpool are two completely different things, Stephenson has developed to the point where he needs to be properly looked at upon his return to Anfield.
The midfielder has already impressed Arne Slot during both of his pre-seasons in charge, but now he has some genuine pedigree in men’s football.
Stephenson did well while deployed at right-back by Slot, and his ability to give an option at full-back and in midfield could be worth keeping him around for.
Luca Stephenson of Dundee United delivers a cross during the William Hill Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images
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Now 22, the former Sunderland youngster is clearly ready for a regular role in senior football, and Liverpool should not ignore that.
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It remains most likely that Stephenson’s future lies away from the Reds, but he has to be given every opportunity to show that he could still make it at Anfield this pre-season.
With first-team stars away at the World Cup, there will probably be a window in which Stephenson can make his case. His spell with Dundee should have inspired confidence within him, and if he can take that back home, maybe there is a chance here.
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Alexis Mac Allister during Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League
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Stephenson’s value is going up
If Liverpool decide that it is time for Stephenson to move on permanently, then his good displays with Dundee should at least ensure that the Reds get a good fee for his services.
That may ultimately price the Scottish side out of a deal, but the truth is that Stephenson would do well to head back up North on a permanent basis.
He is clearly loved with his current club, and just as fellow Liverpool academy midfielder Leighton Clarkson did at Aberdeen in 2023, he would surely be keen on staying in Scotland.
For Liverpool, much will likely come down to the bottom line, but they have a duty to making sure the players in their care have the best careers possible, at Anfield or elsewhere, and having come on so strongly with Dundee, maybe they will deduce that is the best place for Stephenson to continue.
Before that, though, the Reds simply have to take one last look at him.
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