Jurgen Klopp says another ‘exceptional’ Liverpool youngster has been promoted to the first team

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Last night’s Europa League last-16 second-leg could hardly have gone better for Liverpool.

Already 5-1 up from the first-leg, it was always likely to be a comfortable evening at Anfield. But even then, few had expected the Reds would be 4-0 up after just 14 minutes of the game. It was elctrifying.

As a result of Liverpool’s dominance, Jurgen Klopp was able to a field a number of his promising young players. Bobby Clark was the pick of the bunch this time, scoring his first ever senior goal during the first-half. By now though, Clark is well established in the senior team. Last night was his 13th game for Liverpool, his fourth start.

Later on though, we did see a player who has been waiting and waiting to kick on in the same way: Mateusz Musialowski. After some excellent performances for the U21s this season, Musialowski finally got his chance as a 70th minute substitute. And speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Klopp said that the 20-year-old had deserved his chance.

“Mateusz I have to say deserved it as well, that’s how it us,” the manager explained. “He trained a few weeks with us, he was already with us, then not. The players develop differently.

“He’s an exceptional talent but obviously we see football in a specific way. He got it more and more I really think he’s now ready. I obviously had the choice between a few and I thought come on, let’s give him these few minutes, he waited long enough.”

Musialowski makes Liverpool debut

This has felt like a long, long time coming for Musialowski. At various points since his 2020 arrival, the young Pole has looked primed to get a first-team shot. But it has never arrived.

It’s interesting that he should get it now, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season. Perhaps if he can keep impressing on the training pitch, an extension might come his way.

It’s also fascinating to hear a hint from Klopp as to why Musialowski hasn’t been involved before.

Despite being the scorer of some incredible goals in the academy, it seems as though perhaps the Poland U21 international wasn’t quite attuned to what was needed from him to play for Liverpool.

Some have been scratching their heads as to why Mateusz hadn’t yet been given his chance when so many of his peers had. Well, there’s your answer.

Klopp’s words are rarely empty, though, and the manager wouldn’t have said what he said and played Musialowski if he didn’t think he had adapted.

It should be remembered that the forward only turned 20 in October. He still has bags of time.

With the business end of the season now coming, it’s difficult to see how Musialowski can come by more minutes. But you never know. At the very least, Liverpool should be looking to get him a new deal and take it from there. Gratulacje, Mateusz!