Encouraging to hear Klopp say there is a plan in place for Brewster this season. Whatever it is, it's clear they believe in him enough to navigate a clear pathway into the squad and the team.
It does not sit right with some who believe we must buy cover for the front 3, citing injuries, loss of form, suspensions and the like, ignoring the words and actions of the boss who, with balls of steel, has decided we go with what we've got.....for now. No doubt plans are in place if someone like M'Bappe or Dembele shake loose in the transfer merry go round which may or may not take place shortly as everyone gears up for the new season.
Divock is also largely ignored as if he cannot improve on last season himself, cannot develop, or a system cannot be found where he could thrive. Yet, does anyone seriously believe we will be playing 433 all season? I remember Solanke scoring a couple last game against Brighton season before last in a 4231 and I've always thought Divock might thrive in that system.
Back to Rhian. In other threads I have read posters identifying weaknesses in Rhian's game, ranging from 'not good enough in 1v1's against full backs at the highest level,' 'not a winger' to 'he's a striker'', citing these as reasons why he can't play wide in a front 3. It's bewildered me how posters can come to these conclusions on the small sample size we have on him actually playing at the top level. All his academy and England youth evidence clearly shows he can play in wide areas, not necessarily with chalk on his boots, but then neither do Mo or Sadio, and that he can go either way, can carry the ball at rapid pace, taking defenders on in the process as well as an uncanny knack of bursting 'the onion bag' on a fairly regular basis.
He might be raw but with that comes unpredictability and I can't wait to see how PL defenders deal with him. What he is also, is young and eager to learn. Fowler and Owen were the last two young forwards who I can remember with the same sort of hype before kicking a ball for the first team. Klopp has not hidden his belief in him, unusually, placing a huge weight on his shoulders to deliver immediately. Maybe it is deliberate to see how he is under pressure, who knows. What is apparent, is he will be taking centre stage upfront pre season, up to and including the community shield and maybe even Norwich and beyond.
I hope it works out for him and the boss. It's a huge call, typical of the man. You can never tell at his age. I understand the clamour for more experience as an option upfront. I don't agree with it but it has some merit. But if this boy starts firing, as the coaching staff believe, unequivocally, then what a superstar we have on our hands and all that yearning for a shiny new signing may dissipate and die.
