Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opted against recalling youngster Leighton Clarkson from his loan spell with Aberdeen in January.
That’s according to Scottish newspaper Press and Journal, who claim the Reds had a clause to recall the midfielder during the winter window.
Instead, the Merseyside club chose not to activate it, as the 21-year-old has been making good progress since arriving at the Premiership outfit.
As a result, Clarkson will remain Aberdeen for the remainder of the season, with interim boss Barry Robson currently at the helm.
Having tried the midfielder out as a number six in a recent match against Motherwell, Robson claims he’s now found the Liverpool player’s best position.
“We have found the best position, I believe, for Leighton Clarkson,” he said. “I always thought Leighton was a six.
“He had some great passing and some great movement (against Motherwell).
“Leighton can dictate and run the game.
“He is the one we are going to get a bit of football from. You can see that.”
Clarkson to remain at Aberdeen for the remainder of the season
To date, the 21-year-old has only made three appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s first-team.
Having spent the first half of last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers, this move was cut short as the Championship outfit were unable to give him ample opportunities to play.
This was worrying for Liverpool; if he wasn’t able to make it at Ewood Park, how was he going to make it at Anfield?
Consequently, the Reds decided the best course of action would be another loan this term, and what a decision that proved to be.
Clarkson has played 25 times for Aberdeen, and he currently ranks as the side’s best player in the Premiership.
Robson recently hailed the midfielder for an ‘unbelievable’ assist he provided for Bojan Miovski’s second goal against Motherwell.
It really seems like Clarkson is making huge progress with the Scottish club.
Therefore, Klopp was certainly right to keep him there until the end of the season.