Liverpool Under 23s’ coach Barry Lewtas says Leighton Clarkson has made a ‘huge difference’ to his side for one reason. The midfielder returned in January.
Leighton Clarkson left Liverpool on loan to kick off this season. Unfortunately for him, things didn’t quite work out – but it’s hardly his fault.
The Reds essentially tried to repeat that success of Harvey Elliott’s spell at Blackburn Rovers by sending Clarkson to the same club. Now, that carried immense pressure, of course, and the midfielder didn’t really live up to it.
But that was always going to be difficult. Few saw Blackburn exploding into life this season and competing at the top of the Championship. Their form left little room for a young midfielder trying to experience regular football for the first time.
Thus Clarkson returned to Liverpool in January to rejoin the Under 23s. It’s not what people planned – and in some ways, he missed his chance with the first team – but coach Barry Lewtas believes things are positive.
Leighton Clarkson improves Liverpool Under 23s
“Leighton has made a huge difference for us because he adds a different dimension to our play since he has come back,” Lewtas told Liverpoolfc.com. “He is able to control the pace of the game through his range of passing.
“The midfield we have been able to put together with Tyler Morton, Leighton, Tom Clayton, Dominic Corness, it is a talented midfield and one full of good footballers.
“We’ve been able to have control of games for larger periods, which has suited how we wanted to play the game.”
It’s wonderful to see Clarkson truly making a difference. He is, in fact, a very talented young player and one who needs a proper go at senior level.
As we say, he’s likely missed his chance with Liverpool’s first-team for now but another loan surely beckons. His performances for the Under 23s guarantee that. Hopefully, it’s the right one this time.
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