Liverpool scouts are assessing some of the best young talent on the planet during the ongoing U20 World Cup taking place in Chile.
The Reds are always on the lookout for any youngsters who can make an impact at Anfield, and there could be some future stars on display in South America.
As Rousing The Kop has exclusively reported, Liverpool have been impressed by Rion Ichihara, a centre-back from Japan, but he is far from the only prospect making headlines.
On Saturday, Colombia forward Neiser Villarreal put his name in lights by scoring a fantastic quarter-final hat-trick against Spain.
As RTK broke in February, Liverpool were watching Villarreal during the U20 South American Championships at the beginning of the year.
Unfortunately, the Reds missed their chance to snap the 20-year-old up for virtually nothing. Villarreal has since come to an agreement to join Brazilian side Cruzeiro in December. However, with the Colombian likely to move to Europe sooner or later, Liverpool should still get their chance.
Liverpool should be in the mix for Neiser Villarreal’s next move
Villarreal ended up as top goal-scorer with eight goals during the U20 South American Championship in February.
Eight months on, and the versatile forward is at it again. His five goals – all coming in Colombia’s two knockout matches so far – have installed him as the leading goal-getter once again.
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At this stage, Villarreal looks destined to use Cruzeiro as something of a stepping-stone on the way to a European move.
That may all depend on how the youngster fares in Belo Horizonte, but if he continues his goal-scoring form, then bigger clubs will begin to circle.
With Villarreal already firmly on their radar, Liverpool have to be in the mix when that time comes.
They could have removed the problem of fighting off other sides by moving quickly after watching Villarreal earlier this year. They did not, but it does not look as though that will be their final chance. This time, they have to take it.
What kind of player is Villarreal?
Liverpool have not often taken a chance on young South American players such as Villarreal, and time and again they have been made to pay for it.
If they are to finally break the mould and push to get one through the door, then this young star would be a good choice to do it with.
Villarreal has proven himself to be a consistent scorer at youth team level, and judging from his three goals on Saturday, he is a predatory forward.
Relatively tall, fast and clinical in front of goal, the Millonarios forward looks like he could play virtually anywhere across the front line.
Liverpool will no doubt be checking on his progress once he signs for Cruzeiro. If they like what they see, do not be surprised to see him become a topic next summer.
Villarreal will not be an option forever, but despite their hesitation, the Reds have not missed this chance just yet.
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