Brad Penner-Imagn Images via Reuters
A La Liga expert has delivered a glowing verdict on Liverpool loanee Ifeanyi Ndukwe after just six games for Levante. The 18-year-old had already turned heads with his impressive performances for the Reds during pre-season.
Standing at 6ft 6in, the Austrian centre-back played more minutes for his parent club than anyone else over the summer, featuring in all but 10 minutes of the three friendlies played during their tour of the USA.
With Ibrahima Konate departing for Real Madrid and injury concerns surrounding the likes of Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, there was a feeling that Ndukwe could have played a role in Liverpool’s 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
However, his limited experience in the UK meant he was unable to secure a work permit, having agreed to join from Austria Wien on a pre-contract deal back in January. As a result, he was sent out on loan to Levante, where his performances have already sparked a strong reaction.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott
La Liga Expert Casts Verdict on Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Julian Burgos, a Spanish journalist, has been very quick to lay high praise on Ndukwe, going as far as to say he could well become one of the best players in his position when he reaches his prime. He wrote, as per the Daily Mail (watch his match highlights vs Athletic Club below):
"Since his debut against Sevilla four matches ago, he has established himself as a starter for the manager Luis Castro, who asserted that he possesses the qualities to become one of the best players in the world in his position.
"Against Sevilla, he recovered from an early mistake to score the equalising goal in stoppage time, and he has been a fixture in the side ever since. At 18, he has an impressive physique, remarkable coordination for his height, and the makings of a great footballer – both for the present and, even more so, for the future."
That match against Sevilla was considered a 'heroic' full debut by the Liverpool Echo, with manager Luis Castro wasting no time back then in also hailing him as a future candidate for one of the best in the world.
||
Ifeanyi Ndukwe's match stats in Levante 3-1 Athletic Club
Minutes played
Defensive contributions
Clearances
Duels won
Passes
His Manager Doubled Down on his Wonderkid Status
The loanee scored a 100th minute equaliser for Levante as they recovered from both 2-0 down and falling behind in the 95th minute against Sevilla to earn a 3-3 draw.
“First, a player of his age who makes a mistake and continues playing with the personality he showed, keeping the ball, attacking without any fear, it shows you what he can become one day,” the Levante boss said at his post-match press conference after Ndukwe had been at fault for the opener.
"He is not a player who, after the error… a player with a weak mentality doesn’t play the game he played, the duels he won, how he defended, how he attacked, how he went forward. He is a player who has great potential I think. If he has a normal development, he can be one of the best in the world in his position.”