Liverpool’s academy keeps producing, with Under-21s star Kyle Kelly thriving on the international stage.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored his first senior international goal for St. Kitts & Nevis on Monday — a stunning long-distance strike during a 4-2 win over Solomon Islands.
Kelly is a versatile midfielder who can play in front of the back four or support the attack. A debut goal for his country is a huge step in what promises to be a successful career. He could be the next Ryan Gravenberch.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
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Let’s have a look at the youngster’s career so far, and what we can expect should Arne Slot give him a shot in the first team next season.
Who is Liverpool academy star Kyle Kelly?
Joining the academy in 2018, Kelly has risen through the ranks and now contributes regularly for the U21s.
He played for England on his path through the youth system, but declared for St. Kitts & Nevis two years ago.
A left-footer described on Liverpool’s official website as ‘a midfielder who plays with attacking flair’, he has moved into a more defensive role this season.
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Kelly has made 11 appearances in the Premier League 2, and will play a part for Rob Page’s side when the play-offs kick into gear in the coming weeks.
Kyle Kelly of Liverpool U21s in action against Blackpool in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Kyle Kelly vs Ryan Gravenberch
The most similar player to Kelly in the senior setup is Gravenberch, another number 8 who has shifted into a more holding midfield role.
Comparing stats obviously needs to be taken with a grain of salt given the difference in level between the two leagues, but it’s worth doing to illustrate the strengths in Kelly’s game.
Looking at per 90 stats (via FotMob), there are striking similarities. In passing accuracy and chance creation, the two are almost identical. Kelly edges Gravenberch in long-ball proficiency.
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Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
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Kelly wins more duels (6.61 vs 4.86), both doing so at a success rate of about 56%. Gravenberch is slightly better in the air, and miles clear in terms of dribbling numbers. That’s a big distinction between the players.
In defensive metrics, Kelly separates himself. That’s why he could be the next Gravenberch. Not because he would displace the Dutchman, but because he is a more natural fit as a number 6.
He makes more tackles (3.41 vs 1.79) and recoveries (5.55 vs 4.14), and is a real disruptor of play. Then, as we saw this week, he also has the ability to score from range.
Gravenberch is limited in a defensive role, and would surely like to be relieved of some of those duties. That could come from signing a player, but there’s a chance Liverpool can fill that void with an academy product.
There’s still some way to go in Kelly’s development, and it’s hard to see him establishing himself in the senior squad just yet. But he fills a need for the Reds, and more improvements could propel him into Slot’s thoughts.
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