Journalist: Liverpool could have the next Steven Gerrard on their hands

Journalist: Liverpool could have the next Steven Gerrard on their hands Luca Eden Makes Liverpool History as David Lynch Hails Exciting Academy Talent Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League opener against Atletico Madrid ended in frustration, but the afternoon at Kirkby may eventually be remembered for something considerably more significant. At 15 years and 182 days old, Luca Eden became Liverpool’s youngest ever player in the UEFA Youth League, breaking a record previously held at different stages by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rio Ngumoha and Josh Abe. He marked the occasion by providing the assist for Josh Sonni-Lambie as Liverpool Under-19s drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Liverpool reporter David Lynch made little attempt to hide his excitement about the midfielder. “This kid is one to keep an eye on. He is brilliant.” Luca Eden Makes Liverpool History Liverpool trusted Eden to start in midfield despite facing opponents potentially several years older than him. The youngster rewarded that faith. Liverpool went ahead through Mor Talla Ndiaye after 27 minutes before Eden helped create their second shortly before half-time. His pass released Sonni-Lambie, who finished across the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Atletico responded after the break through Joel Sanchez before Adrian Lis-Zielinski equalised in the 90th minute. Erik Farkas then struck the post as Liverpool came agonisingly close to winning it. Eden played 72 minutes and Lynch was particularly impressed by how comfortably he handled the step up. “The quality is there. There’s no doubt about it. And he did not look out of place in an under-19 competition. He looked brilliant yesterday.” Lynch added: “I’m very, very excited about him.” Steven Gerrard Comparison Impossible to Ignore There is one comparison surrounding Eden which Lynch acknowledged is becoming difficult to overlook. Steven Gerrard. “It’s almost genuinely laughable how much he reminds you of Steven Gerrard in his actions on the pitch,” Lynch told Davis. The resemblance Lynch sees extends beyond appearance or one particular technical quality. “In terms of his passing and the way he tackles, but the way he runs and everything, and, you know, he’s got that number eight shirt on his back.” Lynch immediately acknowledged the danger of attaching such expectations to a 15-year-old. “I will stop there with the comparisons because I think obviously you don’t want to put too much weight of expectation on him.” Liverpool Clearly Rate Eden Highly Perhaps the most significant observation concerned Liverpool’s own assessment of Eden. Players rarely find themselves competing at Under-19 level at 15 without being regarded as exceptional prospects. “What is clear from the fact he’s being used so young is that Liverpool also rate him really, really highly and they think an awful lot of him,” Lynch said. “They clearly think he’s got a chance of making it at Liverpool in the first team.” Liverpool Under-19 manager Rob Page was similarly impressed, describing Eden’s performance against Atletico as “outstanding” and saying the midfielder “rose to the occasion”. Patience Required With Exciting Liverpool Talent Eden remains only 15, something Lynch repeatedly stressed during the discussion. Physical development will naturally form part of the coming years, while injuries and the demands placed upon young players can influence even the most promising careers. There is therefore no need to start predicting when Eden might appear for Liverpool’s senior side. The excitement comes from what he is already doing. He has become Liverpool’s youngest UEFA Youth League player, provided an assist on his debut and looked comfortable competing against significantly older opposition. Lynch summed up the balance required perfectly. “You don’t want to put too much pressure on, but you can’t shy away from the fact he’s very, very exciting.” There is another element Liverpool supporters will appreciate too. “He’s a local lad as well, which is, you know, be very, very nice to get another one of those in the team.” For now, that is where the story should remain. Luca Eden is 15 years old and has an enormous amount of development ahead of him. Liverpool, though, clearly believe they have a special talent on their hands.