Topic: Ryan Kent

[Carra-ton]

There were reports today from Pearce that Klopp wants to see Kent in pre-season before he decides whether to loan him or keep him.
For me, he is the best youngster we have better than Woodburn, Wilson or Ejaria.
Klopp will be mighty impressed with the improvement in his game in one year.
He is genuinely a match impacting player now. I think we need to realize the potential we have here is great. Underestimate this guy at your own peril. Redknapp and Rodgers want him, but I think with amount of games we have and his improvement in general, he should be here next season.
Mods please allow this, this guy needs more credit and support from the LFC fan base.

For people who haven't followed him -
https://youtu.be/vNlnSPbQ2HE

One never knows how big a player is going to be. But one more year of improvement like the year he has had, could mean we have a true top class player on our hands.

[Something Else]

If he has ever going to have an opportunity then this might well be it. Feels that the stars could align for him given he fits the pacey tricky wide player we were in desperate need for last season and have just spent a fortune on.

We will certainly need more options here and he could be a good impact player if he can show Klopp that he has improved enough

[Red in Korea]

It may come down to a choice between Kent and Ojo - keep one and loan one.

[rickardinho1]

It may come down to a choice between Kent and Ojo - keep one and loan one.

With the collection of forwards below there's certainly gonna be some serious competition for that last spot on the wing!

You'd think that there's only room for one - maybe two - of Kent, Ojo, Woodburn, and Wilson to stick around, as U21 is probably a level (or two) below where they should be playing - except in Woodburn's case as he's still only 17. As for the other 3, there's been plenty of interest from various clubs apparently...

- Birmingham want Kent on loan
- Newcastle interested in Ojo (what a great place that would be for Ojo to develop, being coached by Rafa...)
- Celtic want Wilson as replacement for Patrick Roberts

Whatever the case it figures to be a huge preseason for all these guys, with such fierce competition for places.

Incidentally, up front Ings, Solanke, and probably even Sturridge also have plenty to prove in preseason. That CF position looks quite crowded, and a strong preseason from Ings and/or Solanke might catalyze the sale of Sturridge if an acceptable bid is received.

Mané               Coutinho
Salah                     X
           Firmino
          Sturridge
            Origi
             Ings
          Solanke
          Brewster

Anyways, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out this summer, reckon Klopp will have a few tough decisions to make in the next couple of months on who to keep around!

[El Lobo]

Would quite like Wilson to go on loan to Celtic for a season, think he'd tear that league up and its still pretty high profile.

Woodburn a season in the U23s playing cup games etc, happy with that.

Think that leaves Kent and Ojo, so should be interesting. Wouldn't be majorly shocked if Ojo is sold ala Ibe, manager doesn't seem to fancy him.

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

Would quite like Wilson to go on loan to Celtic for a season, think he'd tear that league up and its still pretty high profile.

Woodburn a season in the U23s playing cup games etc, happy with that.

Think that leaves Kent and Ojo, so should be interesting. Wouldn't be majorly shocked if Ojo is sold ala Ibe, manager doesn't seem to fancy him.

I'm not sure if Klopp doesn't fancy Ojo, but Kent looks very much like a Klopp type of player. Very driven, fast, good feet, has a great turn, and good defensively, the only issue is that he's just not very prolific at the moment. But he didn't look out of place last preseason, he played quite well when given the opportunity.

I always maintained that if he will be given a chance, that he has a shot for the bench for us.

[Schmidt]

I'm not sure if Klopp doesn't fancy Ojo, but Kent looks very much like a Klopp type of player. Very driven, fast, good feet, has a great turn, and good defensively, the only issue is that he's just not very prolific at the moment. But he didn't look out of place last preseason, he played quite well when given the opportunity.

I always maintained that if he will be given a chance, that he has a shot for the bench for us.

I think Ojo is more of a Klopp type of player than Kent personally, he just needs to improve his workrate. My concern with Kent is that he's more of a winger than a wide forward, like Ibe he tends to do everything from a deeper position and even in his highlights you rarely (if ever?) see him run in behind or across goal for a simple 1 on 1 or tap in. I haven't seen a lot of him beyond highlights throughout the season but what I have seen and his stats back this up.

I see Ojo and Woodburn as the standouts still, though Ojo really needs to get a chance somewhere soon.

[Garnier]

heard good reports of his development in the second tier. Also there was this video of him absolutely roasting his way past 2 players, just class, although his shot was garbage

[Carra-ton]

I think Ojo is more of a Klopp type of player than Kent personally, he just needs to improve his workrate. My concern with Kent is that he's more of a winger than a wide forward, like Ibe he tends to do everything from a deeper position and even in his highlights you rarely (if ever?) see him run in behind or across goal for a simple 1 on 1 or tap in. I haven't seen a lot of him beyond highlights throughout the season but what I have seen and his stats back this up.

I see Ojo and Woodburn as the standouts still, though Ojo really needs to get a chance somewhere soon.

I think it is a matter of the one who has the mentality to fight who will become a top player. Gerrard said this a while back, at the very top, everyone is talented. It is the one who is willing to be brave and ride tackles, fight for the second balls, make lung bursting runs late on, is the one who makes it to the very top.
Ojo still seems as if he is waiting for the space to open up before he makes his move, Kent seems that bit more brave when operating in tight spaces.
I read a while back the LFC coaching team were asking Ojo to use his physical attributes and assert himself more.
If Kent shows Klopp he is willing to put himself on the line for the cause, then Kent will be promoted first.

[Schmidt]

I think it is a matter of the one who has the mentality to fight who will become a top player. Gerrard said this a while back, at the very top, everyone is talented. It is the one who is willing to be brave and ride tackles, fight for the second balls, make lung bursting runs late on, is the one who makes it to the very top.
Ojo still seems as if he is waiting for the space to open up before he makes his move, Kent seems that bit more brave when operating in tight spaces.
I read a while back the LFC coaching team were asking Ojo to use his physical attributes and assert himself more.
If Kent shows Klopp he is willing to put himself on the line for the cause, then Kent will be promoted first.

I appreciate all that but at the same time I think good positioning and movement are as much a talent as anything else and I don't quite see either with Kent. Maybe he'll develop it a bit but Ibe had exactly the same problem back when people were championing him as Sterling 2.0 and he hit a ceiling pretty quickly as a result.

[Gerry Attrick]

I would expect him to go out on loan again this season.

[Medellin]

I would expect him to go out on loan again this season.

Yep.

[Frank Becton]

Saw him play last season and he looks a real exciting prospect, I thought 'Arry was interested in taking him to Birmingham.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpools-ryan-kent-wanted-birmingham-13236614

[Suareznumber7]

I would expect him to go out on loan again this season.

I think he'll be sold with a hefty sell-on fee and a buy back option similar to what we've seen for our other young players we've sold recently. 

[DonkeyWan]

Whenever I have seen him play he has been the standout player for me. Would personally prefer if he was kept ahead of any of the other names mentioned.

[[new username under construction]]

Whenever I have seen him play he has been the standout player for me. Would personally prefer if he was kept ahead of any of the other names mentioned.

I think we've got enough pre season games to see will take a few anyway, Wilson didn't exactly shine last game he played but we know he has talent. Can't wait to see some of them get a chance though, some really exciting young players!

[kavah]

looks like he's got a decent left foot too. Is he too small for fullback?

[LovelyCushionedHeader]

Look a really good prospect and too good for the level he has been playing at, but when given the chance against Exeter last season he was abysmal and came across as very greedy. Obviously the match presented very tricky conditions and he was eager to impress, but I've always thought that match was the reason Klopp never gave him further chances despite persisting with Smith/Randall/Stewart/Chirivella.

[Goalposts for Jumpers]

I think Ojo is more of a Klopp type of player than Kent personally, he just needs to improve his workrate. My concern with Kent is that he's more of a winger than a wide forward, like Ibe he tends to do everything from a deeper position and even in his highlights you rarely (if ever?) see him run in behind or across goal for a simple 1 on 1 or tap in. I haven't seen a lot of him beyond highlights throughout the season but what I have seen and his stats back this up.

I see Ojo and Woodburn as the standouts still, though Ojo really needs to get a chance somewhere soon.

I disagree with this (but respect that it could go either way at this stage), I just don't think Ojo plays with the intensity Klopp wants.

I really rate Kent, but remember reading somewhere in the Youth thread that Klopp had issues with his movement - something along the lines of him being too predictable and not having that game intelligence to create space for himself.

Wilson is very talented, but I just don't think he can be trusted to receive the ball in his own half and protect it *yet*, whether that be because of his strength (or lack thereof) or decision-making. He may have a higher ceiling than the others, but given his slight frame and lack of 1st-team experience he is more of a risk at this stage.

I personally rate Kent very highly and I think he's the one who is most first-team-ready, there's just the issue with his movement and end product. I would love to see him stick around next season, as I get the impression he'll be the one most chomping at the bit. Ojo and Wilson still need to show something I think, so would benefit from game-time elsewhere.

Not sure if Klopp agrees though. Will be interesting to find out.

[Fordy]

Clubs are already looking at Kent for 6m or so.

Kent is a massive talent who I think will be in and around the first team next season.

Maybe, send Wilson out on loan but keep him & Ojo.

[newterp]

Clubs are already looking at Kent for 6m or so.

Kent is a massive talent who I think will be in and around the first team next season.

Maybe, send Wilson out on loan but keep him & Ojo.

Yeah just because he's "greedy" doesn't mean he can't learn.

[Chalky Boots]

Would quite like Wilson to go on loan to Celtic for a season, think he'd tear that league up and its still pretty high profile.

Woodburn a season in the U23s playing cup games etc, happy with that.

Think that leaves Kent and Ojo, so should be interesting. Wouldn't be majorly shocked if Ojo is sold ala Ibe, manager doesn't seem to fancy him.

Think it's to do with the fact that Ojo has a habit of coasting through games and Klopp has pulled him up on it.

Kent is probably one of the best youngsters we have on the ball but he's changed a bit over the last two years becoming more of a typical winger instead of the Reus like inside forward. I think he's going he should be going to the prem and not to the championship OR I'd quite happily send Brendan all of Kent, Wilson and Brannagan on buy-back deals to Celtic frankly. Pretty sure he'd turn all three into excellent players in that league.

[Fordy]

Think it's to do with the fact that Ojo has a habit of coasting through games and Klopp has pulled him up on it.

Kent is probably one of the best youngsters we have on the ball but he's changed a bit over the last two years becoming more of a typical winger instead of the Reus like inside forward. I think he's going he should be going to the prem and not to the championship OR I'd quite happily send Brendan all of Kent, Wilson and Brannagan on buy-back deals to Celtic frankly. Pretty sure he'd turn all three into excellent players in that league.

Pointless doing that.

Sorry but Celtic is no place for sending players on loan or to sell too. Such a Micky mouse league.

[Chalky Boots]

Pointless doing that.

Sorry but Celtic is no place for sending players on loan or to sell too. Such a Micky mouse league.

So? It didn't hurt Petrov, Wanyama, Van Dijk and Dembele (and probably a whole host of players I can't be arsed to look up). They'll get to play in a league that's Championship standard as well as Europe under a coach who knows exactly what's good for their development. That's a win-win so far as development goes.

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

Pointless doing that.

Sorry but Celtic is no place for sending players on loan or to sell too. Such a Micky mouse league.

Playing at Aberdeen certainly did Danny Ward a world of good.

[rickardinho1]

Watching the highlight video in the OP makes one wonder how he only managed to get 3 goals and 3 assists in over 3100 minutes of football this season!

Only 6 teams scored more than Barnsley's 64 goals so it's not like he was playing in a weak attacking team either.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-kent/leistungsdaten/spieler/279457/plus/0?saison=ges

[Goalposts for Jumpers]

Watching the highlight video in the OP makes one wonder how he only managed to get 3 goals and 3 assists in over 3100 minutes of football this season!

Only 6 teams scored more than Barnsley's 64 goals so it's not like he was playing in a weak attacking team either.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-kent/leistungsdaten/spieler/279457/plus/0?saison=ges

His shots per game were very high. Given shooting from distance was one of his strengths in the youths suggests he was shooting from poor positions, so i'm guessing his decision-making needs some work, or the movement of his teammates wasn't all that. But let's not also forget that 3 goals and 3 assists in the championship is not terrible for a 20 year old.

[joekim87]

He looked good, very good at time but I just don't see him becoming elite. Ojo on the other hand looks lazy at times but has that something about him that could lead to him becoming an elite player.

Ojo's loan to Newcastle sounds like a great idea. Rafa, team on the up, should get plenty of game time in the Prem.

[rickardinho1]

His shots per game were very high. Given shooting from distance was one of his strengths in the youths suggests he was shooting from poor positions, so i'm guessing his decision-making needs some work, or the movement of his teammates wasn't all that. But let's not also forget that 3 goals and 3 assists in the championship is not terrible for a 20 year old.

You're right, 3 goals isn't too bad in the championship for a 20 year old. In fact, only 7 players under age 22 bettered him this season (not including strikers).

However, none of those 8 come anywhere near the amount of game time Kent got, so that must still be somewhat of a disappointment.

Incidentally, it's interesting to note how much of a freak Sessegnon is with his 5 league goals - from leftback...

That said, Kent's stats in terms of Key Passes per minute are right up there with the best in the league for u-22 players which is very promising, especially considering that he played many more games than all the others his age listed here. This certainly suggests that his teammates were just poor at finishing the chances he created for them, because you'd really expect more than 3 assists from 67 key passes (1.9 per 90mins)!

[Aceldama]

Seeing as this may well be the default Kent vs Ojo vs Wilson thread... Liverpool have turned down a loan offer from Newcastle for Ojo according to local papers up there.

[Gerry Attrick]

Seeing as this may well be the default Kent vs Ojo vs Wilson thread... Liverpool have turned down a loan offer from Newcastle for Ojo according to local papers up there.

Why would we do that? Loaning him to Newcastle would make perfect sense.

[dudleyred]

Why would we do that? Loaning him to Newcastle would make perfect sense.

Klopp likes to get assurances of playing time doesn't he so may not have had that- guess rather keep him if game time isn't guaranteed

[Gerry Attrick]

Klopp likes to get assurances of playing time doesn't he so may not have had that- guess rather keep him if game time isn't guaranteed

Even if he doesn't play that many games it'll benefit him a lot more than playing reserve football will. I think he could force his way into their team too; their wingers aren't exactly amazing players.

[dudleyred]

Even if he doesn't play that many games it'll benefit him a lot more than playing reserve football will. I think he could force his way into their team too; their wingers aren't exactly amazing players.

Get what your saying - suppose if enough interest in him rather send him to a smaller club where he'll play 30 games- same way Kent did

[Gerry Attrick]

Get what your saying - suppose if enough interest in him rather send him to a smaller club where he'll play 30 games- same way Kent did

Whatever happens he needs a loan in my opinion. We're seeing way too many players stagnate in the reserves.

[rickardinho1]

I think it's unlikely that Klopp will send any players out on loan before he's had a look at all his options in preseason.

It also makes sense to wait and see who else Newcastle are going to sign because that might also be a good indication of likely game-time (in the absence of a game-time related contract clause).

[classycarra]

Even if he doesn't play that many games it'll benefit him a lot more than playing reserve football will. I think he could force his way into their team too; their wingers aren't exactly amazing players.

No point jumping at the first offer though. Would be a disaster if we sent him packing for a year and then in the last weeks of the window signed an experienced wide player with quality, or a young winger of their own, leaving him with limited game time and no chance of a second loan.

[Gerry Attrick]

No point jumping at the first offer though. Would be a disaster if we sent him packing for a year and then in the last weeks of the window signed an experienced wide player with quality, or a young winger of their own, leaving him with limited game time and no chance of a second loan.

Fair point, I just don't think another season in the reserves will do him any good at all. When the transfer window closes I would like to see Ojo on loan, whether that's Newcastle or another team. I would like to see Gomez go out on loan too.

[Chris~]

No point jumping at the first offer though. Would be a disaster if we sent him packing for a year and then in the last weeks of the window signed an experienced wide player with quality, or a young winger of their own, leaving him with limited game time and no chance of a second loan.

Sell with a buy back then.

The other option is waiting until near the end when hes missed preseason and a chance to impress. There's potential downsides to any loan.

[El Lobo]

Even if he doesn't play that many games it'll benefit him a lot more than playing reserve football will. I think he could force his way into their team too; their wingers aren't exactly amazing players.

Don't really think that's true at all, and the manager I'm pretty sure has said he'd rather have players here learning to play his way than loaning them out if they're not going to play that often.

I personally think something that needs to happen is the U23 league and cup competitions get stronger, and the only way that'll happen is if most of the better youngsters are actually retained. I get there are youngsters like De Bruyne and Lukaku who clearly need first team top flight football, but for the likes of Ojo/Kent/Trent etc I really don't see much value in loaning out to some Championship/League One/League Two side. These clubs really aren't that bothered about helping our kids develop, they're desperate for promotion/survival. So they tend to go with experienced pros rather than a kid who is still learning their trade and more likely to make mistakes whilst doing so.

Newcastle as well, they've still got that Aarons kid haven't they? I don't see any chance, even if its Rafa, that he'd favour our young winger over him when they'll benefit much more if they can get him to first team level.