Billy Koumetio can set a Liverpool record tonight if he plays against FC Midtjylland. It looks increasingly likely that he will make his debut.
Jurgen Klopp will surely rotate his team against FC Midtjylland. The Reds are already through in the Champions League as group winners, after all.
On top of that, Liverpool have an intense December fixture list. It makes complete sense, then, to rest the stars now when you’ve got the chance.
Klopp admits that this plan is in his thinking, saying it’s ‘not unlikely’ that he plays academy players. And that could mean a debut for Billy Koumetio.
Record breaker
Koumetio is a player with a growing reputation. Pep Lijnders called him a ‘proper talent’ two months ago, while Klopp himself feels the defender is a ‘big talent’.
A talented player, then.
On top of that, Koumetio only played 45 minutes at the weekend in what seemed like a planned substitution. The only real reason for that would be preparation to play against Midtjylland.
Could we see a debut, then? It certainly feels quite likely. And if Koumetio does play, he immediately sets a new Liverpool record.
The Frenchman is only 18 years and 25 days old. Thus an appearance would make him Liverpool’s youngest ever player in Europe’s top competition.
That includes both the European Cup and Champions League.
It’s a fairly incredible way to make your debut, of course, and a sign that the club has a lot of faith in you. Not that it’s a sure-fire sign that you’ll reach the top.
After all, two of the youngest players in Liverpool’s history – Jack Robinson and Ben Woodburn – failed to kick on and become genuine first-team options.
But if Klopp and co. believe Koumetio is ready, then this is an exciting way to start. We really hope he gets a game.
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