Dundee boss not concerned about Liverpool recalling loanee Owen Beck
The injury to Andy Robertson presents Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with a challenge, one he could potentially overcome by recalling youngster Owen Beck, who is currently on loan at Dundee United.
The 21-year-old joined the Reds’ youth setup in 2015 from Stoke City and since progressed through the ranks, eventually making his first team debut in the 2021 Carabao Cup clash against Preston North End. He followed it up with loan spells at Famalicao and Bolton Wanderers with minimal impact.
Last summer, he was loaned out to SPL side Dundee United and it would appear that Beck is finally getting a regular run in the first-team. The Welsh youth international has made 10 appearances for the Tangerines across all competitions this season and is getting along well at Tannadice Park.
Opportunities come at the blink of an eye in football and Robertson’s injury could Beck with just that. The Scottish skipper is ruled out for around three months after injuring himself while on international duty, giving Klopp much to consider.
The Reds already have an able deputy in Kostas Tsimikas but the Greek Scouser alone cannot be relied upon as the football calendar gets busy in December. Rotation is key and the lack of options could see Klopp forced to bring back Beck into the fold at Anfield.
This would be a hammer blow for the SPL side for whom Beck has been firing all cylinders. But then Dundee boss Tony Docherty is not too fussed about the attention his young loanee is receiving. As per The Courier (h/t Liverpool Echo), Docherty is well aware of how the loan transfer market works and
“If they do well, of course they will attract attention from either their parent club or elsewhere. But I’m not worried about it. It is something I’m aware of”
Docherty’s words ring true about the loan market and it is something all parties involved would have been aware of before the terms were signed. But then while Beck adds numbers to Klopp’s roster, bringing him back might not be the best solution for the player.
The 21-year-old is at a stage of his career where he should be getting regular playtime, something that is far from assured at Anfield. Dundee can offer him just that, albeit at a lower level. But then it is what he requires to continue his development and make a name for himself in the game. Bringing him back as a temporary relief would put a stop to the progress made over the last couple of months.
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While Robertson will be missed, Tsimikas can largely cover for him as he has usually done so in the past. The likes of Joe Gomez can also slot in while other prospects from the Academy can also be tried out if needed. There is little reason for us to bring back Beck and everyone is better off if the club continues to seek an internal solution.