Jurgen Klopp is delighted to see Ben Woodburn earn another Wales call-up, describing it as a “fantastic opportunity” for the Liverpool youngster.
Woodburn is one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Reds’ academy in years, with the 17-year-old scoring in his second game for the club.
His performances have seen him receive another call-up to the Wales squad, having fired home the winner against Austria earlier this month.
Wales take on Georgia (October 6) and the Republic of Ireland (October 9) in their next two World Cup qualifiers, and Woodburn has every chance of being heavily involved.
Klopp could only speak highly of his young star in his pre-Newcastle United press conference on Friday, hailing his ability and attitude—and admitting Wales are fortunate to have him.
“It’s fantastic,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.
“Ben is a fantastic boy, outstanding skills. We had a very good talk about it.
“He loves playing with the U19s, a different role, playing U23s, training with us. He doesn’t expect [anything] in this moment.
“It’s a good basis for a really nice career—we think, not hope, his career will be here. Wales have this fantastic opportunity, which is really cool.”
Woodburn has only managed one first-team appearance so far this season, against Leicester City in the League Cup, but it is only a matter of time before he becomes more of a regular.
For 17, his maturity is way beyond his years, and assuming serious injury is avoided, an extremely successful career awaits him.
His next outing could come for the Liverpool U23s on Friday night, against Charlton Athletic in the Premier League Cup.
With first-choice striker Rhian Brewster in India with the England U17s for next month’s World Cup, the Welshman could lead the line for Neil Critchley‘s side.
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