Liverpool Under-21s lost 5-2 to Blackpool in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, but some of Barry Lewtas’ players still left Bloomfield Road with an improved reputation.
The young Reds actually scored their first goal against their League One opponents through Paul Glatzel, and it wasn’t just that goal that saw the 22-year-old make a good impression against the Tangerines.
According to Sofascore, the striker contributed greatly to his team out of possession, winning six duels (the second most of any player in LFC) and four tackles at team level, as well as an interception.
He scored three shots on the night, completed one dribble and made two key passes, proving dangerous with and without the ball.
Theo Squires gave Glatzel an 8 in his player rating for the Liverpool Echo, praising a “really well scored goal” and adding that the striker “never stopped running and was always looking to win the ball back and to sense an opportunity.”
Although the German minor international has never played a competitive match for Liverpool FC’s (Transfermarkt) first team, his name is already familiar to many Reds supporters.
He scored eight goals in six games in our 2019 FA Youth Cup triumph (Transfermarkt) and was part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad in the following pre-season, but suffered a serious injury in a friendly against Tranmere derailed his progress.
The first-team manager has praised Glatzel effusively in the past, describing him as an “incredible” and “wonderful player” (The Mirror).
Although the 22-year-old is yet to make a breakthrough at Anfield, which will be difficult to achieve given the club’s attacking options, his performance last night could see him considered for inclusion in a senior squad for one or two cup matches. later in the campaign.
Having already overcome his share of adversity due to injuries, it would be fantastic to see him play in the first team at some point in the future.
