Ben Woodburn urged to seek loan move

It is imperative that Ben Woodburn is given sufficient game-time next season, whether at Anfield or elsewhere, according to compatriot Craig Bellamy.

Woodburn emerged as a star of the future during the 2016/17 season when he became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer, but found opportunities hard to come by last term, registering just two appearances in all competitions.

It has been suggested in some quarters that the 18-year-old will be loaned out this summer to ensure he can continue to progress.

A temporary switch to a Championship outfit, which would give Woodburn a chance to prove himself at a higher level, looks a possibility.

And former Red Bellamy believes that would be a sensible move, warning that he will not mature as a player if he continues to play for Liverpool’s youth teams.

“For Ben Woodburn, this year is going to be key,” Bellamy, who had two one-year spells at Anfield, said. “He’s an extremely talented footballer, but he needs game-time.

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MUNICH, GERMANY – Wednesday, August 2, 2017: Liverpool players line-up for a team group photograph before the Audi Cup 2017 final match between Liverpool FC and AtlÈtico de Madrid’s at the Allianz Arena. Back row L-R: Dominic Solanke, Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan, goalkeeper Danny Ward, Jon Flanagan, Emre Can. Front row L-R: Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Ben Woodburn, Sadio Mane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“Last year was fine, he didn’t need it as much because he was still learning the trade. But now he needs men’s football.

“He might get it at Liverpool because I know how highly they think of him there but if he doesn’t he’s got to go somewhere else and get it. He just needs to play the game against men week in week out, because bad habits will go then.

“Under-23s football doesn’t give you that. They get away with bad habits. He needs those ironed out then he’ll be the player we all think he’s going to be.”

Jurgen Klopp is trialling Woodburn in a deeper role during pre-season and may yet decide remaining at Liverpool will be best for his development.

Fellow Welshman Harry Wilson, meanwhile, looks set to join Frank Lampard’s Derby County on loan.

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Source: anfieldhq.com