'You've signed a natural born goalscorer' - Liverpool stars deliver their verdict on Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster

Jurgen Klopp has told Sheffield United they signed a “natural born goalscorer” when Rhian Brewster completed his move to Bramall Lane from Liverpool earlier this month.
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Brewster made his first start for Chris Wilder’s side during Saturday night’s visit to Anfield, which saw them produce their most fluent and creative display of the season so far against the reigning Premier League champions before losing 2-1.

Although he failed to impose himself on the game - something Wilder later attributed to the “strange” experience of facing his old team mates so soon after leaving the North-West - Klopp is convinced Brewster will provide United with the cutting edge required to translate their “high standard” performance into positive results.

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“He is a natural born goalscorer,” the Liverpool manager said. “It’s in his DNA.

“He is a coach’s dream, as he is so eager to learn, but also a beacon of positive energy.

“He had some really hard moments with us, but he never once lost belief and he was always someone who would light up a room, even when he experienced really tough times.”

“We miss him,” Klopp continued. “But we are delighted that he has found a fantastic home at Sheffield United.”

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Brewster, aged 20, became the most expensive ever purchase in United’s 131 year history when he completed a protracted £23.5m transfer to South Yorkshire during the recent window. Klopp, who insisted on inserting a buy back clause into the deal, is understood to have used his considerable influence behind the scenes to ensure the terms and conditions were shaped in such a way that it made it possible for United to reach an agreement despite the pressure social distancing measures introduced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic has placed upon their budget.

Rhian Brewster worked hard during Sheffield United's visit to his former club Liverpool: Simon Bellis/SportimageRhian Brewster worked hard during Sheffield United's visit to his former club Liverpool: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Rhian Brewster worked hard during Sheffield United's visit to his former club Liverpool: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Brewster, who scored 11 times in 22 appearances during a spell on loan with Swansea City last season, played a supporting role to the excellent Oli McBurnie against a Liverpool side which prevailed courtesy of strikes from Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota after Sander Berge’s penalty had fired United in front. McBurnie dragged a shot wide after the Norwegian had converted, while Ben Osborn and George Baldock also went close before Firmino levelled during the closing stages of the first-half. After Jota headed home just past the hour mark, substitute Oliver Burke also had an opportunity to equalise in added time but saw his looping shot fly just past the post.

Klopp’s captain, Jordan Henderson, also used his programme notes to predict Brewster will develop into a key player for United.

“This might sound like a contradiction , but like many of the senior players I was both gutted and delighted for Rhi when he got his move to Sheffield United,” Henderson said. “Gutted because he is a top,top, top talent and an even better person. Gutted because he is a natural born goalscorer and I know if he’d have had an opportunity here he would have bagged plenty for us. But delighted for Rhi at the same time because he deserves to be starting matches regularly - and at this level.”

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