Jurgen Klopp is doing something incredible at Anfield and his Liverpool side are well on track to qualify for the Champions League in consecutive seasons, for the first time in nine years. The manager is not only planning for his first team but is also determined to improve the youth structure at the club.
Liverpool is host to some of the finest youngsters in world football at the moment and there are not many players who will reject a chance to move to Anfield, especially early in their career. While the German tactician is attracting stars for the senior side, club legend Steven Gerrard is making his mark on the academy.
This has seen the Reds sign some exciting stars in the last couple of transfer windows and the latest name doing the rounds is 18-year old Ben Wilmot.
Transfer Story:
According to a report by Independent, Liverpool are one of many clubs interested in the signature of the English youngster. At just 18, he is already making a name for himself in the first team at Stevenage.
His quality has attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton but Liverpool have now reportedly stepped up their pursuit of the teenager. He is not expected to cost more than £850k and is a star in the making.
What Will He Bring To Anfield?
Having broken into the senior side just this season, Wilmot has a League Two appearance to add to two FA Cup and two League Cup starts already this season. He has clocked 395 minutes already for the senior side and is gaining some valuable exposure, which will help him establish himself at the highest level.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Wilmot is a centre-back, who loves to dominate his box in the air. His physical approach to the game is what makes him an attractive option for even the best teams in England. He is quick and athletic while his understanding of the game barely sees him get caught out of position.
He is a good reader of the game, is pro-active in his approach and at just 18, is confident of his abilities, even against the best of the opponents. He is obviously not ready for first team action anytime soon but a move to Liverpool will certainly make him ready for it, sooner than at most clubs.
Is He A Long Term Solution?
It is not a secret that Liverpool have some serious problems in defence. They have recently spent a record amount on a CB but are still far away from establishing a backline, that can win them trophies. Klopp is still searching for CBs who can improve the quality of the side but after the investment on Van Dijk, they have shifted their priorities to a young CB.
This is where Wilmot fits in. The Reds do not have too many quality defenders in their academy either and to solve the problems in the senior side, they will have to improve from the roots and Wilmot is a step in the right direction.