Spanish media have assessed Ifeanyi Ndukwe's performance for Levante in the team's 1-1 draw with Deportivo, noting his struggles in several duels despite signs of improvement
Luismi Cruz of Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna (C) is challenged by Manu Sanchez and Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Ifeanyi Ndukwe earned his second start of the season against Deportivo(Image: Getty Images)
Ifeanyi Ndukwe has received mixed reviews from Spanish media following his performance for Levante against Deportivo, with praise for his development tempered by criticism.
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The 18-year-old defender made his fourth appearance for Levante, starting in defense as the team faced Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga. Levante showed its resilience at Riazor, fighting back to secure a valuable point after falling behind to Bill Nsongo's opener.
The Granota side improved after the break, with Dani Requena equalizing in the 87th minute from Ratkov's assist to earn a 1-1 draw. The result extended both teams' winless runs. Ndukwe completed 58 passes with an accuracy rate of 86.2 percent and also won one foul during the match.
It was a topsy-turvy encounter that offered the Liverpool loanee a taste of the challenges of senior soccer, providing valuable experience as he continues to develop early in his career.
The Spanish media has since given a clear verdict on the star's display, with Superdeporte giving the Liverpool loanee a five out of 10 rating overall.
The review stated that Ndukwe struggled in several of the duels he contested, with his defensive solidity dipping compared to his previous display against Sevilla.
The outlet claimed: βHe was beaten in many of the duels he contested. The defensive solidity Ndukwe showed against Sevilla dipped slightly, with his performance also marked by his involvement in the sequence of rebounds that led to Bill Nsongo's goal.β
Plaza Deportiva also gave Ndukwe a five out of ten score, and said: "He had an interesting physical battle with Nsongo. He is growing."
Diego Villares of Real Club Deportivo de A Coruna is challenged by Ifeanyi Ndukwe of Levante
Ifeanyi Ndukwe in action vs Deportivo(Image: Getty Images)
Ndukwe's latest performance could serve as a reality check after his impressive pre-season raised hopes that he might feature for Liverpool's first team. Despite his rapid rise at such a young age, the defender is still adapting to the demands of senior soccer.
The teenager joined from Austria Vienna and caught the eye under Andoni Iraola during pre-season, but a lack of eligibility for a U.K. work permit prevented him from remaining at Anfield. Instead, a move to Spain was viewed as the best next step in his development.
Ndukwe could return to Merseyside in January, when he is expected to become eligible for a U.K. work permit, with a clause in his deal allowing for that possibility. For now, however, the 18-year-old has valuable experience to gain as he continues his development in the senior game.
Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk labeled Ndukwe a "big talent" after playing alongside him in the first half against Monaco in a friendly before the season started. "Obviously, I saw the games in preseason in America," Van Dijk added. "Big talent, big guy, and he wants to learn.
"I had a brief conversation with him, especially in the last couple of days. For him, it is just progressing. I know he has to go on loan I think so let's see where he ends up. The matter of fact is that he has to go on loan and wherever he goes, he needs to learn, get better and be ready when he comes back to hopefully stay there."