Ben Woodburn's situation at Sheffield United could be a cause for concern

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By Rob Hoskin

Published Oct 5, 2018

Woodburn is at Sheffield United - but Klopp might be slightly concerned

Competition for places at Liverpool this season is stronger than ever.

With Naby Keita, Fabinho, Alisson and Xherdan Shaqiri all arriving at Anfield this summer - with no major outgoings - Klopp must have a selection headache before every match.

It’s resulted in the German boss having to send some talented youngsters out on loan for first-team opportunities that they simply weren’t going to get at Liverpool this season.

Steven Gerrard took Ryan Kent and Ovie Ejaria to Rangers, while Marko Grujic and Allan went to Germany, joining Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.

There’s also a couple of players who dropped down a division to play in the Championship.

Liverpool fans all saw what Harry Wilson is capable of when he scored a sensational free-kick for Derby against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

But then there’s Ben Woodburn - Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer.

Woodburn joined Sheffield United but things aren’t going too well.

In fact, the Welshman has played just 13 minutes in his side’s previous six matches.

His only 90 minutes came in the Carabao Cup against Hull in August and has been left out of the entire matchday squad for the Blades’ last two matches.

With Chris Wilder’s side sitting third in the Championship, it’s perhaps not too surprising that Woodburn is struggling to play regularly at Bramall Lane.

But it must be worrying for Klopp to see that Woodburn isn’t even making matchday squads at the moment - something that could seriously stunt his potential.

Surely he’d be better off returning to Liverpool and training at Melwood every day, playing for the club’s Under-23s.

However, Wilder insists there is no pressure from Liverpool to play Woodburn but admits that he’s taking time to adjust to competitive football.

"There is no pressure from any of the clubs to play any of their players," Wilder said soon after signing Woodburn.

"Would they like them to play? Of course they would. I am not sure that Liverpool want Ben to play 46 games in the Championship at 18, though, if I am honest with you.