Liverpool left-back rewarded for fine form

Liverpool’s youth squads have been a significant source of hope for Liverpool this season.

Seeing so many talented products from a team that prides itself on its youth development has been rewarding in what has already been a fantastic season overall for the club.

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One significant aspect of development has been the UEFA Youth League - the under-19s equivalent of the Champions League - and how the young Reds can test themselves against Europe’s other elite academies.

This spot has allowed players such as Amara Nallo and Rio Ngumoha to launch inclusions in the men’s first team this season and make headlines as they do so.

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As a result, any inclusion should be seen as a serious indictment of the talent of a player.

Because of this, the inclusion of 18-year-old left-back Clae Ewing in Tuesday’s game against Stuttgart has raised a few eyebrows in the best way possible.

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Ewing, who wasn't involved in a Youth League squad before, has spent most of this season plying his trade for the under-18s.

Significant performances came with two assists in a 4-2 win over Sunderland’s under-18s and the assist for a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Leeds.

As a result, Ewing saw out the entire game against Stuttgart at left-back. Liverpool’s regular Youth League left-back, Carter Pinnington, was moved over to right-back over the natural choice, DJ Esdaille.

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Playing without a natural left-back in the Youth League has seen Liverpool have some up and down results, with a 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen being countered by a 3-1 loss to Leipzig.

But Tuesday’s game saw Liverpool run out to a 2-2 draw before losing in heartbreaking fashion - 5-3 on penalties.

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Ewing put on a good showing for himself, winning 5/8 ground duels and getting praised all over social media for his engine. Earning this important promotion now puts him one step closer to the first team.

Next up, he will be looking to break into the U21 side. Although, that's not often necessary. A lot of players end up moving to the first team from the U18s or the U19s.

Which is why he is one to keep an eye on.

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With Liverpool’s left-back spot seeing an uncertain future at the moment, it is anyone’s to claim long term. Although Milos Kerkez remains the target, Ewing has the chance to have his own Trent Alexander-Arnold moment and claim it with both hands.

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