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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Injuries leave Jurgen Klopp with just Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino available from his usual attacking trio, and with back-up players injured there could be a chance for Rhian Brewster to start against MK Dons.
Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri would likely have received the call to start but injury has ruled them out for the foreseeable future, presenting a chance for the 19-year-old to shine.
He has acclimatised to the first-team set-up in recent months thanks to his inclusion in the matchday squad for big matches against Barcelona and Tottenham in the Champions League, but he is still yet to register first-team minutes under his belt.
This could be the perfect occasion for him to make his debut, however. With a number of his fellow U23 teammates making the trip down, such familiarity could bring out the best in each one of them.
Being accompanied by more experienced heads such as Dejan Lovren and James Milner – who could also start – will allow them to stay grounded and not lose confidence if they misplace a pass or have a heavy touch.
Moreover, winning the match isn’t integral to Liverpool’s season, and therefore Brewster will be getting the chance to show his qualities without any pressure on him to deliver.
That is important as a striker as it should allow him to play his natural game, and if he does that then success is likely, with two goals in four starts this term proving that.
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Brewster has spoken to The Mirror about the good relationship he has with his manager, and the confidence Klopp places in him will surely allow him to improve and display his talents for the senior team, just as the German has done with young players like Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Klopp spoke to me and told me, ‘You’re going to get your chance this year’ and I’m just waiting for that chance now so that I can prove him right.
“He’s not one of those managers you don’t want to speak to, he’s a great manager and he’s so down to earth.”
The 2017 U17 World Cup winner has faith in his own ability too, and his determination to succeed should mean he is a nightmare for the MK Dons backline, with his pace and movement likely to cause all manner of problems.