Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson captained Dundee United in their trip to Motherwell on Saturday, despite being 22 and only on loan at the Scottish club.
Stephenson made such a strong impact in his first loan spell with Dundee United that he was brought back for another campaign this time around.
The young midfielder has now made 62 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side including 28 already this season – and Saturday brought another milestone.
With captain Ross Graham and vice-captain Will Ferry both named on the bench, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin handed Stephenson the armband.
He led the team out at Fir Park and played the full 90 minutes as a central midfielder, albeit in a frustrating 2-0 loss for his loan club.
“Disappointing result but made up to captain the team for the first time,” Stephenson wrote on his Instagram story.
Goodwin’s decision will have been helped by the fact only two players in his squad have more experience in the Scottish Premiership than Stephenson.
But that only further highlights the progress he has made since leaving Liverpool on loan in 2024, as well as the esteem he is held in at his loan club.
Does Luca Stephenson have a long-term future at Liverpool?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Luca Stephenson during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The expectation is that Stephenson will leave Anfield on a permanent basis this summer, but having signed a new contract before departing for his second spell in Dundee it remains to be seen if he will stay at Tannadice Park for the long term.
In fact his performances while on loan may be attracting suitors from outside of Scotland, while his leadership qualities will be similarly coveted.
It is unlikely that Stephenson has a future in Arne Slot‘s senior squad despite having been used regularly throughout both of the Dutchman’s pre-seasons in charge so far.
But while Calvin Ramsay, also 22, has found himself on the periphery having stayed on Merseyside this season, the latest to wear the Dundee United armband should consider his time away a formative experience.
Hull City’s Lewis Koumas celebrates (Martin Rickett/PA)
Stephenson was one of just two Liverpool loanees in action over the weekend, with Lewis Koumas the only other player involved.
Koumas made his first start for Hull City after scoring off the bench against Derby four days previous, and played 85 minutes on the wing as the Tigers beat Portsmouth 1-0 away.
Former Liverpool winger Harvey Blair started for Portsmouth as he continues his recovery from a niggling injury.