Liverpool are crying out for more attacking options, and perhaps the answer to some of their problems is already at the club.
Will Wright has been making headlines with his performances for Liverpool’s academy, and his goalscoring record is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The 18-year-old has reportedly scored 13 goals in 12 appearances this season, including hat-tricks against LASK and Fenerbahçe.
Those are impressive numbers for any young striker, but particularly for someone still waiting for a genuine opportunity to show what he can do at senior level.
So, is it time for Andoni Iraola to take a closer look?
Liverpool Need More Options Up Front
There is no denying that Liverpool need greater depth and competition in attacking areas.
When the senior forwards aren’t firing, the team can look short of ideas. Injuries, rotation and a demanding fixture schedule only make that problem more obvious.
Wright shouldn’t be expected to come into the first team and suddenly start scoring goals every week. That would be unfair on a young player who is still developing.
But giving him an opportunity from the bench could provide something different. His movement, energy and natural instinct in front of goal could make him an interesting option, particularly when Liverpool are chasing a result.
Goalscoring Record That Deserves Attention
Scoring 13 goals in 12 academy appearances is not something that should be brushed aside.
Wright has also been trusted with the captaincy at U19 level, which says something about the responsibility he is being given within the academy.
He has reportedly already had opportunities to train with the first team, so Iraola will have had the chance to assess him at close quarters.
Of course, training with senior players is very different from playing in front of a packed Anfield, but every young player has to make that step eventually.
Liverpool have invested in developing young talent, and there has to be a pathway into the first team for those who are performing well enough.
Why Not Give Him a Chance?
I’m not suggesting Wright should suddenly become Liverpool’s first-choice striker. That would be asking far too much.
But why not put him on the bench and give him 15 or 20 minutes when the opportunity presents itself?
A domestic cup appearance could be the perfect starting point. Alternatively, if Liverpool are comfortable in a match, there is no reason why he couldn’t be introduced to experience senior football.
Young players need opportunities, not just praise for what they achieve at academy level.
And with Liverpool needing more attacking contributions, there is surely little harm in seeing whether Wright can make the step up.
The Kopite View
Liverpool supporters want to see the club’s best young players given a genuine opportunity. We don’t want to see another promising talent spend years scoring goals at academy level without getting a proper chance to prove himself.
Will Wright is still young, and patience is important. But his goalscoring form deserves recognition, and Iraola should at least be considering how to bring him closer to the senior squad.
Nobody is expecting him to be the finished article. Nobody is asking him to carry Liverpool’s attack.
Sometimes you have to take a chance on young players. If Wright continues scoring at this rate, that chance surely cannot be too far away.
Liverpool need goals. Will Wright is scoring them. Perhaps it’s time to see what he can do in a red shirt.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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