Jurgen Klopp does have a history of providing chances to youngsters. Over the years we have seen many talented players star for Borussia Dortmund and the same is taking shape at Liverpool. Sheyi Ojo was one of the bright sparks during the pre-season tour of the United States. But the 19-year-old has not featured for the Reds in the Premier League this season.
Ojo had actually picked up a back problem during that tour and is still on his road to recovery. He did share an update on his injury with a photo on Twitter. The youngster was shown working hard in the gym with a caption, “A setback is a setup for a comeback. #Mentality is (key)”.
A setback is a setup for a comeback. #Mentality is pic.twitter.com/Xrf7rbBfuZ
— Sheyi Ojo (@sheyi_ojo) September 28, 2016
While the message is cryptic, it does give the Liverpool fans a bit of a look at the winger. Ojo was given a few chances in the last few games in the previous campaign and the Englishman certainly made a great impact on the club and the manager.
Ojo in Klopp’s plans
The German manager was also sure about Ojo’s abilities and stated that the youngster was part of Liverpool’s plans.
Klopp was quoted by Sky Sports as saying:
“Sheyi is a wonderful player that’s for sure and his future is 100 per cent at Liverpool. We don’t have to make decisions so early.
“We have time and we have to use the time. We have had some injuries. We need to make the boys as fit as possible.”
Ojo himself showed commitment to the cause as he turned down the chance of an extended holiday. The youngster decided to take part in the USA tour just a few days after the end of the U19 Euro Championship in Germany.
The youngster was quoted by ESPN as saying:
“The manager asked me if I wanted some time off after the Euros but I said I wanted to come straight here.
“I was keen to be out here. I wanted to be part of this. I’m not too fussed about a holiday.”
A tricky customer in the making
Ojo’s greatest ability is his trickery on the wing. While he is blessed with a lot of pace, like Sadio Mane, Ojo can also charge the crowd up with his flicks and tricks. It is still to be seen how Ojo deals with playing regularly for a Premier League side.
It would have been nice to send him out on loan to get more experience. Jurgen Klopp though must have plans for the 19-year-old, hence keeping him at Liverpool. Ojo could turn out to be a better winger than even Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe.
The problem is the lack of games that Ojo has to deal with. Liverpool not being in Europe greatly limits his playing time. The best option he has is to participate in the EFL Cup but Klopp does put out a strong side in this tournament as well.
Ojo does have a bright future at the club and if he can overcome his injury issues, he could end up becoming a vital cog for Klopp’s side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZsOZJMNFZk
