Very versatile 18-year-old Liverpool midfielder made his international debut last night

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There was a lot at stake for two international minnows on Wednesday night. For San Marino, it was the prospect of winning an international match for the first time in almost 20 years. For their opponent, St Kitts and Nevis, it was the prospect of being the first team to lose to San Marino for the first time in almost 20 years.

This was international football at its very best. Football in its purest form. Away from the money and glamour that has infested most forms of the game. Surprisingly, lining up for the away side was also a Liverpool player, who is currently contracted to the club.

Hoping to get one over San Marino on his international debut was 18-year-old Liverpool midfielder Kyle Kelly. The youngster was only named among the St Kitts and Nevis substitutes, but he got his moment coming on in the 81st minute, and helped his country to a comfortable 3-1 victory. Quashing all hopes of a first win for San Marino in two decades.

Who is Liverpool youngster Kyle Kelly?

Kelly has been training at Liverpool’s academy since 2018. He has been involved with the club’s U18 team since the 2022/23 season. So far at U18 level he has scored one goal, which was against Everton in the mini-derby.

Earlier this month he made his debut for Liverpool’s U21 side coming on as a substitute against Reading in a 0-0 draw.

Still only 18-years-old, Kelly is highly rated by academy coaches. He has stood out for his versatility having played both in midfield and defence this season, including as a centre-back and a left-back. Although he is most comfortable playing in the holding midfield position.

Kelly is particularly active when it comes to his defending. He has averaged the most defensive duels peer 90 minutes (11.57) for Liverpool in the U18 Premier League this season and has also made 3.82 interceptions and 8.17 recoveries per 90.

He is also very comfortable in possession, averaging a 60% dribble success rate from his 1.06 attempted dribbles per 90. Very good at progressing the ball as well, he makes 13.37 forward passes per 90 minutes.

Kelly has also represented England at youth level in the past, lining up for the Three Lions’ U15 side. But it seems like he has decided to represent St Kitts and Nevis at senior level. Although since his debut was only a friendly, he remains eligible to play for England as per FIFA rules.