Liverpool defender Amara Nallo has opened up about his initial struggles with homesickness after joining the Reds from West Ham United in September 2023.
But he's now fully focused on breaking into Arne Slot's first team. And since signing for the Academy, the 18-year-old center-back has been making progress, having joined the pre-season tour to the United States and debuting in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in January.
Despite a challenging start that saw him sent off just minutes into his senior debut, becoming the youngest Liverpool player ever to receive a red card, Nallo has bounced back to lead the under-21s as captain and skipper the team in UEFA Youth League and EFL Trophy matches this season.
Nallo, who has also been named on the first-team bench five times, spoke candidly about the support he received upon arrival at the club.
"When I came to the Academy, the players were very welcoming," he said. "The staff as well were willing to help and entrusted me and my development, which was really important."
His commitment to Liverpool was never in question, with his family's support for the club cementing his decision to sign. "Obviously there was no doubt in me signing because my family are Liverpool supporters as well. It just all came to plan," he explained.
Amara Nallo in action for Liverpool
Amara Nallo in action for Liverpool (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"In the first season, I was homesick. But then I got to know that I'm here for a reason and I'm working, so I need to make them proud. In the second season, I'm very focused and determined and looking forward to what's to come."
Nallo's immediate target is to secure a regular first-team spot and assess his progress from there. "[I just want to] be a regular with the first team and see what we get from there and how far I can push on from there," he told the Reds' official website.
"A clean sheet for me is like scoring. It's a very good achievement. I've always been a center-half, even when I was playing district for my local borough. I just feel like defending is my game. I just like defending."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
At Liverpool, he has the perfect role model too. "It was [Virgil] van Dijk," the England youth international said when asked who his idol was growing up. "First time seeing him, he is massive! You can feel his presence.
"Obviously watching him play is very good because you take tips from him into your game. Seeing him live in the flesh, you can see what you actually need to do.
"The way when there's pressure coming towards him, he does some reverse turn and then plays to the other side to get him out of pressure."
Liverpool.com says: Nallo is a talented player and it will be interesting to see how he develops in the next few months. Sooner rather than later, he will need to go out on loan and show that he can play in senior matches on a regular basis.