Recalled Liverpool left-back Owen Beck will miss the FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal due to a suspension.
Liverpool left-back Owen Beck will serve a suspension against Arsenal in the FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday. Liverpool recalled Beck from Scottish side Dundee FC after losing Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas to long-term injuries.
Beck faces suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in July’s Scottish League Cup matches. The Reds deploy versatile centre-back Joe Gomez as a makeshift left-back in matches following Tsimikas’ injury.
Gomez has delivered fantastic performances but he needs rotation due to the numerous fixtures that Liverpool are playing. The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League table and attempting to compete in every competition.
They have already progressed further in the Europa League and they will play Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. With the start of the FA Cup, the Reds anticipate a busier fixture schedule amid an ongoing injury crisis. Apart from Robertson and Tsimikas, Liverpool have lost Joel Matip to a season-long injury.
Furthermore, Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah are with their national teams, participating in the Asian Cup and AFCON respectively. Beck has earned important experience while playing regularly for Dundee and currently, he is the only natural left-back at Liverpool.
The Athletic reported that Beck is not eligible to feature in the FA CUP game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium due to suspension. The 21-year-old received two bookings in the Scottish League Cup matches last July against Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The 21-year-old is well-built physically and has the stamina, pace and balance to run up and down the left-back continuously. He has the energy combined with the ability to make long progressive runs and beat the opponents with dribbling.
The Wales international is versatile and capable of playing as a left-back, left wing-back, left midfielder and left-winger. Beck is a typical modern-day attacking fullback and has earned comparison with Robertson for his aggression, relentless running and technique.
Klopp on Owen Beck recalled and part of #LFC squad: “We always were pretty positive about him, we like him”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2024
“It makes sense after losing our two left-backs that a boy we like is available for us, so we brought him back”. pic.twitter.com/5v9tT2T0k9
The 21-year-old is capable of producing threatening crosses and delivering direct passes according to the position he is in. Defensively, he tries to stay on his feet and has the physique to hold his own in the duels.
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The Welshman reads the game well, using smart interception and tackling to stop the opposition attack. Beck has a good recovery pace and a sense of awareness to keep him on his toes all the time.
Robertson’s expected return later this month allows for a cautious reintegration considering Beck‘s presence. The Liverpool staff highly rates the 21-year-old, and Kopites eagerly anticipate witnessing this gem from the Liverpool Academy in action once more.
