Liverpool has transfer decision to make about in-form star dubbed ‘Lionel Messi’ by teammates

One of Liverpool’s brightest talents is enjoying good form and has recently been dubbed ‘Lionel Messi’ by his teammates. But a big transfer call awaits.

Mateusz Musialowski, the ‘Polish Hazard’ out to impress Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool training

Liverpool’s first team has a few notable contract decisions and transfer dilemmas to make in 2024. But away from the senior squad, there is a very interesting decision that needs to be made by the club regarding the future of a young star who has earned the nickname ‘Lionel Messi.’

It’s a nickname that is perhaps too often used these days. With Messi being at the peak of world football, every diminutive wonderkid breaking through the ranks will inevitably be measured up against the greatest to have ever played the game.

So it is with Liverpool’s Mateusz Musiałowski. But it’s a comparison that cannot be considered completely without merit, at least stylistically speaking. Especially, when it’s not just football fans giving him that label but his teammates as well.

When the Polish youngster first arrived at the club, he pretty much went viral on social media for his meandering runs through thickets of defenders, including solo-goals that could have easily have been taken from a Messi highlight reel.

There is no denying Musiałowski has the talent. He is a gifted footballer who can take anyone on in a one vs one battle.

However, while he is impossible to stop when in full flow and at his best, there are also areas to his game where he needs to improve. Physically, he still struggles to dominate opponents and at times at academy level he has been inconsistent.

All of that seems to be changing and improving this season though. Having been transformed into a forward, Musiałowski seems to be thriving in his new role.

In six games this season he has four goals and two assists, and what is important to highlight is that he is not just scoring in the Premier League 2 but also against League One and League Two opposition in the EFL Trophy, where he has two goals and one assist in two games so far.

Liverpool Mateusz Musiałowski

Liverpool star Mateusz Musiałowski is in good form. (Image: Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)

His recent performance against Blackpool’s senior team saw his teammates Tyler Morton and Harvey Blair both compare him to Lionel Messi. Morton simply commented ‘Messi’ under the Pole’s Instagram post, meanwhile Blair just wrote ‘Leo.’

Musiałowski’s newfound impressive form, if the Pole can continue it for a longer stretch of the season, could very well alert the attention of the first team. Physically, he still needs to improve but he has made strides in that area as well.

But there is an important decision to be made about his future as well. With his contract expiring in 2024, Liverpool surely won’t want to lose a player of his ilk and talent on a free at the end of the season.

The youngster is still only 19 years old, although he is set to turn 20 in a few days. Compared to other players of his generation he may not be quite at the level of a Harvey Elliott or Jude Bellingham, but development is not a straight path in football. Some players bloom later, especially players like Musiałowski who are born towards the end of the calendar year and who may not be as physically developed.

That’s why Liverpool’s ‘Polish Messi’ could still very well have a bright future ahead of him, and why the Reds would regret it if they gave up on his potential next summer and allowed him to leave on a free.

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