Liverpool winger takes big step after injury nightmare as Mateusz Musialowski reaches crossroads
Liverpool winger takes big step after injury nightmare as Mateusz Musialowski reaches crossroads
Liverpool analysis after the U21s lose 2-1 in their final EFL Trophy group game at Barrow on Tuesday evening
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ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
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Kaide Gordon captained Liverpool U21s as he stepped up his recover from long-term injury (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Gordon’s alive
Even before a ball had been kicked at the SO Legal Stadium, this was a hugely significant evening for Kaide Gordon.
The teenager has suffered a miserable time since breaking into the Liverpool first team as a 16-year-old during the 2021/22 season, scoring in the FA Cup third-round win over Shrewsbury Town and starting the League Cup semi-final second leg victory at Arsenal.
A pelvic problem linked to his growth meant Gordon was sidelined since February 2022 before making his long-awaited comeback in September, after which he injured his ankle following his first substitute appearance for another few weeks out.
READ MORE: Liverpool U21s player ratings as Mateusz Musialowski, Jay Spearing and 16-year-old impress vs Barrow
READ MORE: Every word of Daniel Sturridge’s brilliant analysis of Darwin Nunez and his next move at Liverpool
The teenager, though, came off the bench in Premier League 2 at Leeds United a fortnight ago and was handed his first start since his return in this final EFL Trophy group game at Barrow.
In a further show of backing, Gordon – who celebrated his 19th birthday last month – was named captain in a side that also included the experience of 34-year-old midfielder Jay Spearing, who was the best player on the night by some distance before the duo were replaced shortly before the hour.
While service to the wide man was intermittent on a grim Cumbria night, Gordon didn’t shirk the physical challenge – not least when caught by a heavy tackle from Sean Etaluku second half – and showed some good touches, but was understandably very rusty in his 59-minute run-out. The main bonus for Liverpool and Gordon, though, is that he was back out on the pitch.
Musialowski ready
Mateusz Musialowski may have only turned 20 last month but it feels as though he has been part of the Academy at Liverpool for a long, long time.
Too long, it could be argued, given the prodigiously-talented but inconsistent Pole should by now be testing himself at senior level on a regular basis rather than be in a fourth season playing for the younger age groups for the Reds.
Indeed, the EFL Trophy this season suggests Musialowski may be ready to take that step. After goals in the historic 3-0 win at Morecambe and the 5-2 defeat at Blackpool, he was on the mark here again with the opener. And what a goal it was, playing a one-two with Melkamu Frauendorf and then smashing into the top corner from 25 yards. Barrow goalkeeper Josh Lillis didn’t even move.
Having operated on occasion as a lone striker this season, Musialowski, with his confidence buoyed by the strike, profited from being employed in a midfield role, allowing him to run at the home defence from deep and demonstrate the class of which he is capable.
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With Liverpool not yet out of the competition – they will progress if Blackpool beat Morecambe next week – there could be an opportunity for Musialowski to score in a fourth successive EFL Trophy match. But there probably shouldn’t be many more after that – regardless of where he is plying his trade next term.
Pennington impresses
So continues the rapid rise of Trey Nyoni. A summer arrival from Leicester City, having made his first start for the U21s in the home drubbing to West Ham United on Saturday, this was a first appearance in the EFL Trophy.
Nyoni, in the midst of an at times agricultural midfield battle, more than held his own and, with a booking for time-wasting, demonstrated he is already versed in game management.
The midfielder was one of three 16-year-olds in the starting line-up with, as against the Hammers, Carter Pinnington and another summer signing, Amara Nallo, partnered at centre-back.
Both made light of their tender years with solid displays, Pinnington in particular catching the eye with a composed showing, not least with his prowess in the air and decent distribution. And when the duo were beaten, goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga was again in impressive form until Barrow snatched victory in the final quarter.
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