Rhian Brewster scored in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday. That makes the Reds’ decision on his future somewhat tougher.
Liverpool began their pre-season on Saturday with a comfortable win over Stuttgart. The game was also notable for the two teams Jurgen Klopp used either side of half-time – particularly the second.
(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The boss included Brewster in the second-half, his first minutes in Red since his spell with Swansea City. The 20-year-old represents one of Liverpool’s toughest decisions of the summer. In that regard, this was a key game for Brewster’s future.
And following on from a great spell in Wales, Brewster bagged the third goal. The forward scored 11 times over the second-half of the Championship season, suggesting he has a taste for goal.
That’s something Liverpool need, too. Divock Origi, the only recognised goalscorer outside the usual front-three, scored just four times in the Premier League last year. Brewster, then, offers a free and obvious alternative.
But is that best for his development? Liverpool could always loan him out to a Premier League club. The BBC claims several want Brewster and that’s an opportunity to give him regular top-flight football. With the right loan, of course.
His goal on Saturday makes the decision a little bit tougher, however.
Stick or twist?
Brewster offered a reminder that he has an eye for goal immediately against Stuttgart. It took him just 23 minutes to get on the end of something and find the back of the net.
That will impress Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Brewster was playing in an unrecognised team, full of players he’s not that experienced with. And yet he can still score, much as he has done for the whole of 2020.
But it was also a reminder to those Premier League clubs that here’s a player who can score goals. Goals in pre-season may not count for too much, but they do serve as a way to keep your name in the headlines.
And if clubs are already considering him, seeing that he can score in a weakened Liverpool lineup will only encourage moves for Brewster.
And that, in turn, ups the pressure on Liverpool’s decision. Before he’s scoring in pre-season, Brewster is still a relatively untested kid. But when he’s scoring in front of everyone’s eyes, he’s a player who can really do a job with Liverpool. He’s also someone who could secure a very good loan in the top-flight.
(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Just like that, the decision matters more. If he scores again on Tuesday, it’ll only heighten things once again. Let alone if he plays and scores against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
We’re not sure what’s best right now – but Liverpool can’t really lose. Either way, Brewster looks like a very exciting part of Liverpool’s future.