Jurgen Klopp looks ready to start 21-year-old Liverpool youngster vs Union Saint-Gilloise tonight

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There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise this evening.

Although the Reds are already through as group winners, it could still be a very important game for a number of their players.

Without the pressure of needing to win the game, Jurgen Klopp is likely to heavily rotate his team. Having named 11 youngsters on the club’s ‘B-list’ at the start of the campaign, the expectation is that Klopp will use plenty of them.

Interestingly though, there is one name who was not on that list, but has since been added.

21-year-old Tom Hill should not be completely unfamiliar to Liverpool supporters. The young forward was one of those to have played against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup back in 2019. With Klopp and the senior squad away in Qatar at the Club World Cup, Hill and co took their places.

Almost four years to the day have passed since then though. It remains the only ‘senior’ matchday squad Hill has been a part of. Until now. As of yesterday, the talent has been named in the official squad by uefa.com. Having seemingly been actively added by Liverpool, Klopp is surely going to give him a game tonight.

Hill prepares for involvement

The time in-between Hill’s official debut for Liverpool and the present day has unfortunately been a little uncomfortable.

A bright prospect in the academy, the Welshman was rocked by an ACL injury in September 2020.

Since working his way back, Hill has has been plagued by fitness issues. However, now injury free, he is once again making an impact in the U21s.

Hill has been a steady contributor for Barry Lewtas’ side. Three goals and two assists is a decent return from seven Premier League 2 games.

Coach Barry Lewtas has certainly been impressed. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com back in August, Lewtas praised the forward’s resilience and finishing ability.

“A great moment for Tom,” raved the coach, after a goal from Hill. “We obviously celebrate the good parts of the game but there are some dark times for the lads as well and Tom has had a real tough time with injury. He is a great kid, works ever so hard and he’s dealt with the real lows and blows that have come his way brilliantly.

“We need to ease him back in and get him going. But he can be a really important player for us this season. I’m sure he wants to kickstart his career now and it was a lovely finish, which is what he is known for. He could have had a second as well and he makes some great runs into the box, so it’s nice to see he’s not lost that identity.”

After having such a difficult time with injuries, it would be brilliant to see Hill unleashed by Klopp this evening. It of course now looks unlikely that he has a long-term future with Liverpool. But if there’s any chance to change that, then it has to be tonight. Go and give it everything, Tom!