Liverpool youngster out to “impress people” with first loan move

Midfielder James Balagizi will ply his trade in League Two this season and he is relishing the chance to “try to impress” in what is the first loan move of his career.

The 18-year-old is highly rated within Liverpool’s academy and while a regular in the under-23s side last season, Balagizi was also twice named on the first-team bench.

Injuries hampered his chances throughout the campaign, but a new opportunity has presented itself this season in the form of a loan switch to League Two’s Crawley Town.

It’s a move that will allow Balagizi to develop in a senior environment and experience a push for promotion, a challenge that the teenager feels he is “ready for.”

“I feel like I’m an exciting, creative, hardworking player. I just like to impress people when I play and whatever comes with that, comes with that,” Balagizi told Crawley’s official website.

“I’ve had a few experiences playing in front of crowds, but obviously nothing like the senior games, so going out there in front out the Crawley fans is going to be so exciting.

“Going away to different league teams will be just as exciting as well. I’m ready for the challenge.

“I literally just can’t wait to be out on the pitch and just playing, trying to impress people and things like that. That’s what I came here to do and hopefully, I get to do that very soon.

“I’m over the moon to sign here. I just feel like it’s the right move for me and my family, and I’m just excited to get things underway.”

The excitement from Balagizi is obvious, the chance to be a part of a first-team environment on a consistent basis and help his new club push for promotion back to League One.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 3, 2021: Liverpool's James Balagizi during the UEFA Youth League Group B Matchday 4 game between Liverpool FC Under19's and Club Atlético de Madrid Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 2-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

He has a familiar face to help him settle with manager Kevin Betsy having worked with Balagizi in the England youth setup, which Liverpool will hope aids in making a smooth transition.

The midfielder is one of seven Liverpool players to secure a loan move so far this summer, joining Conor Bradley (Bolton), Jakub Ojrzynski (Radomiak Radom), Billy Koumetio (Austria Wien), Adam Lewis (Newport County), Marcelo Pitaluga (Macclesfield Town) and Vitezslav Jaros (Stockport County).