"A born goalscorer who would shine at Sheffield United" - The inside track on Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster ahead of possible move to Blades
Chris Wilder made no secret of his interest in the England U21 international, after admitting that he made contact personally with Jurgen Klopp in an attempt to convince him that Bramall Lane is a worthy destination for the former Chelsea trainee.
So, ahead of next Monday's deadline for Premier League clubs to do business amongst themselves, we asked Liverpool expert Henry Jackson, of This is Anfield, for the definitive lowdown on Brewster.
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Hide AdJackson described the 20-year-old as a "born goalscorer" and "a killer in front of goal" and explained why Klopp is willing to let the former Swansea City loanee leave Anfield.
Jackson believes it would be "utter madness" if Liverpool allow Brewster to leave without the protection of a clause allowing the Reds to buy him back in the future at a specified price, if he goes on to fulfil his undoubted potential, either at Bramall Lane or elsewhere.
The writer sees no reason why Brewster cannot go on to become a star for both his club and the senior England team, and believes that Bramall Lane would be a good destination - under "a superb man-manager" in Wilder.
Brewster scored three times in two pre-season games for Liverpool, and came off the bench in the Community Shield against Arsenal at Wembley. Here's what Henry thinks of the startlet...
What are Brewster's main attributes?
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Hide AdRhian Brewster is a born goalscorer more than anything, as he showed by winning the Golden Boot at the U17 World Cup back in 2017, helping England go all the way.
He is a killer in front of goal, possessing sharp movement and a level of calm beyond his years when faced with beating a goalkeeper. Some strikers are just born with that predatory instinct, like Man United's Mason Greenwood for example, and Brewster is no different.
He remains raw, however, so his all-round game is still improving, and there are lingering concerns that over a year on the sidelines a while back may have taken a tiny edge off his game. I don't think it has, though.
Brewster isn't lightning-fast but he is quick enough, and he is a hugely exciting talent overall - someone who leads the line, but can drop deep and get more involved if needed.
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Hide AdOn top of that, he is a great lad with an infectious personality.
How highly rated is he at Liverpool?
It's a tricky one, because if Jurgen Klopp is willing to sell Brewster permanently it would suggest he doesn't think he has it in him to be a future superstar.
Then again, he has the best attack in world football keeping him out of the side, so the German may feel it makes sense to give Brewster regular football, perhaps including a buy-back clause, in case he excels.
I believe Klopp does rate him highly, but equally, he doesn't see a regular squad role for him, especially with Diogo Jota coming in and Takumi Minamino starting to really impress, too.
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Hide AdI think Klopp is torn over the decision, but wants Brewster playing a lot, which he can't guarantee at all.
What’s the feeling amongst Reds fans about his potential departure?
I think I speak for many Liverpool fans when I say I would be very sad to see him go, but I fully understand why he is moving on. If a buy-back clause isn't included in his contract at his new club, it would be utter madness.
In my opinion, he suits the Reds' style of play better than Divock Origi and has a higher ceiling moving forward - I would rather sell Origi, basically - but who am I to judge Klopp's decision-making?
Whenever a young English player emerges at your club it is easy to get carried away, but I and many supporters do genuinely feel that Brewster is the real deal, like Curtis Jones.
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Hide AdIf Liverpool weren't such a great team currently, he would be getting far more opportunities, and likely playing an increasingly starring role, but it is hard to justify putting him in when there are superior, more experienced alternatives.
How good could he be in the future if everything goes his way?
It is so difficult to predict the career trajectory of a young player, because some kick on and realise their potential and others peak by the time they are 21. Look at Dele Alli currently, who looked a world-beater a few years back and now can't even get into Tottenham's squad.
If Brewster can fully overcome his fitness problems, however, I see absolutely no reason why he cannot become a real star for club and country - he is that good.
I must stress that it remains a big 'if', though, and should Brewster leave Liverpool, it is vital that he makes the right choice of club and doesn't allow himself to grow stagnant.
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Hide AdSheffield United would be ideal in my opinion, because Chris Wilder is a superb man manager who would get the best out of him, and I see him starting regularly for the Blades, allowing him to find rhythm and confidence.
My ideal scenario would be for him to head to Bramall Lane, have a couple of sensational seasons and then return to Anfield to replace Roberto Firmino.
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