Liverpool continues to show faith in one of its wonderkid options in the academy ranks, with the latest round of UEFA Youth League games providing a platform for him to impress
Luca Eden of Liverpool in action during the U18 Premier League match at AXA Training Centre
Luca Eden continues to rise the ranks in the Liverpool academy(Image: (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Liverpool youngster Luca Eden continues to progress through the academy ranks, as the midfielder looks to eventually make his mark on the senior team.
The 15-year-old has been catapulted through the age groups to be competing at under-18s level already, with last season providing a breakthrough opportunity for him around peers several years his senior.
The previous campaign saw him notch up ten appearances in the under-18s Premier League, scoring once and assisting once, picking up over 600 minutes to his name. That form has continued into this season, where Eden has made four appearances in the division, with over 150 minutes picked up, while he has also featured in the UEFA Youth League.
The European competition runs parallel to the Champions League, with a group of under-19s all featuring in the same fixture that the senior team is playing that day.
Last time out, Eden started in a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid, picking up an assist as he featured for 72 minutes and showed that he could continue to compete at the top level in the youth team.
There has been yet another show of faith in the 15-year-old's qualities, as he was given a start once again in the UEFA Youth League, this time in a clash against LASK Linz in Austria.
Luca Eden of Liverpool in action during the U18 PL match at AXA Training Centre
Liverpool prospect Luca Eden is highly though of at the club(Image: Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The midfielder featured with some other notable names in the academy, such as striker Will Wright and defender Mor Talla Ndiaye, who have both been tipped for big futures.
It is yet another promising show of faith in Eden to continue competing at the required level, as he looks to establish himself among the best in the group, before looking ahead to feature for the under-21s, or even the senior team in the future.
There have been early comparisons to Steven Gerrard in both the way he plays in midfield and the fact that he is a local lad, though it may be a bit too soon to make such calls and to put such pressure on young shoulders.
However, it shows the strength in depth that Liverpool is starting to create at the academy level, with a clear emphasis on bringing through the next generation that can have an impact on the team.
There is a clear pathway to the senior team for the youngsters in the academy, with the likes of Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, and Lewis Koumas all getting meaningful minutes this season.
Eden may be a few seasons of development away from being the next name on the senior teamsheet, but he is certainly putting together the attributes at youth level to make himself an option in the future.