Liverpool’s Under-21s suffered a frustrating end to their Premier League 2 play-off run as they went out on penalties to Crystal Palace. But even in defeat, there were still positives for Rob Page to take.
One of the biggest was the performance of Mor Talla Ndiaye, who has made a strong impression since joining Liverpool in January.
The 18-year-old centre-back arrived as an exciting young prospect, and he has already shown why the club were so keen to bring him in. Page clearly sees a lot to like in Ndiaye’s game, and there is every reason to think he can have a big future at Anfield.
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Florian Wirtz knee slides in celebration after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
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Rob Page lauds Mor Talla Ndiaye after another solid Liverpool performance
Liverpool have signed some exciting young centre-backs over the past year. Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are players with a lot of promise. But Ndiaye could be right there with them if his development continues on this path.
Despite the loss, Page was full of praise for the defender after the Palace game.
He told The Redmen TV: “He made some brilliant tackles later on in the game, and he knew he was on thin ice because of the booking early on. But again, part of his development, he’s had to learn to play while he’s on a booking.
“What I’ve seen from him is a diagonal pass. I think we’ve seen a couple of long passes. He is brave enough to find the eights in the pocket with a pass, and intelligent enough. He reads the game well, and he’s aggressive. He wins some big headers today.
Mor Talla Ndiaye in Premier League 2 playoffs
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“So, all in all, there’s a lot there to work with, and a lot of potential that we see.”
The academy star is still only 18, so there is no need to rush anything. He will likely need at least another season with the Under-21s before first-team football becomes a realistic conversation.
But the tools are clearly there. Ndiaye has been called up by Arne Slot to train with the first team already, and it could be the start of a long and successful journey at Liverpool.
Rob Page on Will Wright’s biggest strengths
Ndiaye was not the only young Liverpool player to earn praise. Will Wright has also had a strong season, with six goals and five assists in 15 games for the Under-21s.
Asked about Wright’s biggest strength, Page pointed to his mentality.
He explained: “His work rate. Having been a league manager and now working in academy football, sometimes it can be called a false environment, but that’s as real a game of football as you’re going to get.
Liverpool U21 v Tottenham Hotspur U21: Premier League 2
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“And I think that’s one of the biggest things I’ve tried to change, the mentality, and make it a bit more real. Will thrives on it, because he’s had that experience. He’s played league football. He knows what’s needed, and he drives the standards.”
With Hugo Ekitike out, there may be a need for extra depth at striker before the end of the season.
Wright is on the road to Liverpool stardom, and if Slot needs another option next term, he may just have one waiting in the academy.
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