Jurgen Klopp has claimed that he has given young midfielder Tyler Morton a new role in Liverpool training.
As quoted by The Times, Klopp praised the way Morton has reacted to playing more as a number 8 than a number 6 in the midfield.
“By the way, Tyler Morton in training, incredible!” enthused the Liverpool boss. “He plays as a No 8 now, we don’t force him to play as a controlling No 6 in a Premier League game (like against Spurs last season). He’s training as an 8, and it’s like ‘wow, how good is that?!’ He’s still here.”
When assessing the need for a new midfielder, fans can often forgot about Morton’s presence. The 19-year-old was superb when given the chance last season and should kick on once more next campaign.
Morton hoping to kick-on again
It’s interesting that amongst all the clamour for Liverpool to add a new midfielder to their ranks, Klopp chose to point out Morton’s availability.
The youngster came from relative obscurity last season to play nine times for The Reds in 2021/22.
Included in those games was a start at the San Siro, as well as a place in the eleven for the game away at Spurs.
Although he was largely excellent across his appearances, the Spurs game showed that Morton still has a little way to go in his development. For a young lad coming out of the academy, that’s fully expected.
Time moves swiftly for a young player, though. This time last year Morton would perhaps not have expected to make his first-team debut in the season ahead. But having done so, and having done well, expectations are now raised.
The teenager should be much more familiar with some of his superstar teammates than he was a year ago. With relatively a lot of experience, he should be amongst the leading pack of young players hoping to catch Klopp’s eye in pre-season.
In fairness to Morton, it looks like he has already done that. Now it’s up to him to ensure he stays in the boss’ thoughts as rumours continue to swirl about an addition in the middle of the pitch.