Jurgen Klopp plans to manage Ben Woodburn carefully after the teenage striker became Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer during Tuesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final victory over Leeds.
The 17-year-old was making just his second senior appearance for the Reds when he came on as a second-half substitute, scoring the team’s second goal in a 2-0 win.
At 17 years and 45 days Woodburn became Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer, surpassing the record previously set by Michael Owen, and Klopp has no doubt about the youngster’s quality.
“We know what Ben is capable of and what he is already able to do,” Klopp said.
“My first job is to help these boys so that they can be the best – in this case, Ben Woodburn. “There’s a lot of things to do, especially to keep the public away as long as possible.”
The German coach believes it is important to manage expectations at this stage in his career although he is aware there is going to be a lot of hype surrounding Woodburn.
Klopp added: “So, all good. I’m really happy for him. The only problem is I’m a little bit afraid about you [the media]. That’s why I’m so quiet on this.
Think and do what you want, but don’t write anything – only ‘Goalscorer, Ben Woodburn.’ Done. Quite a challenge!” Woodburn could make his third Liverpool appearance in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Reds are available at 1.73 to win the match while the Cherries are 4.75 and the draw is on offer at 3.80.
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