How Rhian Brewster & Harry Wilson are headlining Liverpool youngsters’ ‘no fear’ approach

The Reds have relied on a host of young players so far this summer, and a lack of ‘fear’ has seen them thrive in the senior setup.

In the absence of a plethora of senior players, Jurgen Klopp has turned to the club’s youth early in pre-season and they have taken the opportunity to impress.

From Yasser Larouci and Ki-Jana Hoever in defence to Curtis Jones and Ben Woodburn in midfield, there have been ample chances for the club’s youngsters to catch Klopp’s eye.

It is in attack, however, where there lies a greater level of reliance on Liverpool’s young brigade this summer as the prolific attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are yet to return to the club due to international commitments.

Rhian Brewster has wasted little time in showing he can make an impact at senior level having scored three goals in his first two games, while Harry Wilson continues to his stake a claim for a more prominent role moving forward.

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Saturday, July 13, 2019: Liverpool's Rhian Brewster (L) celebrates scoring the third goal with team-mate Harry Wilson during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC at Valley Parade. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The current situation in pre-season could prove to be a pressurised situation for the duo, and the remaining Liverpool youngsters, and subsequently hinder their performances.

That has not been the case, however, and speaking to the club’s website, Wilson, 22, feels the impressive nature of their performances come down to youthful exuberance and a lack of ‘fear’:

“When you’re young, you kind of have this ‘no fear’ feeling – you want to go out there, you want to impress the manager and the senior pros that you’re training with and ultimately get better.

“When you’re at a young age, nothing fazes you and you just try to do as well as you can.

“They all look like they’re enjoying it, they’re all showcasing their talents. They’re all doing really well. The senior lads are really good as well, they make you feel a part of the group.

“I remember a few years ago when it was my first trip, they were brilliant with me. They’re the same with the young lads now, so the group is really tight.”

In Liverpool’s two pre-season games to date, against Tranmere and Bradford, Wilson has shared the forward line with Brewster.

But the two are on different sides of the same coin in terms of their future at Anfield as Brewster is being touted as a regular member of the matchday squad, whereas Wilson has been continually linked with another loan move.

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Thursday, July 11, 2019: Liverpool's Rhian Brewster celebrates scoring the third goal during a pre-season friendly match between Tranmere Rovers FC and Liverpool FC at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

And after receiving ample praise from Klopp this summer as he seeks to introduce the 19-year-old into the first team this season, Brewster continues to show he does not lack confidence as he spoke of his eagerness to repay the managers faith:

“He has said it quite a few times now and I just want to repay his faith in me.

“It is alright him saying it but it is for me to go out there and do it. I’m looking forward to doing that.

“Of course it’s sad that Daniel [Sturridge] has gone but it’s a gap for me and hopefully I can fill his big boots. He’s not a bad player! Hopefully, I can push on this season.

“I got two goals against Tranmere and a goal against Bradford but coming to the US we’ve got Dortmund, Sevilla and Sporting.

“It’s going to be a tough task but it will be good to get more minutes in this heat. Hopefully, I can get a few more goals and push on.”

Liverpool’s limited attacking ranks across the Atlantic means Divock Origi is the only senior option in the forward line, ensuring there will be adequate time for each youngster to shape their trajectory for the rest of the season.

With fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Sporting CP scheduled over the next six days in the US, both Brewster and Wilson will again feature alongside fellow youngsters Ryan Kent and Bobby Duncan.