Rafa Camacho “Working Hard” to Earn More First Team Minutes

He may not be the first name on the teamsheet, but with Nathaniel Clyne having joined Bournemouth in search of playing time and Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, young Rafa Camacho could have a role to play this season beyond his senior debut in the FA Cup.

That debut showed promise, though it also served as a reminder that Camacho is still as much winger—a position he played for the U23s this week—as a defender. There’s talent there, clearly, but he’s not yet the finished product, and he knows he has work to do.

“You learn every day,” he said, following his appearance against Brighton with the U23s where he played on the wing and scored Liverpool’s only goal in a 1-1 draw, when asked about still playing multiple positions while working to earn a chance with the first team.

“I’m happy to play in that position and do what I can. It makes you a better player. The quality is very good [and my debut] was very good, a proud moment, obviously. It shows the manager and the first team give opportunities—I just have to keep working hard.”

Injuries meant Camacho was named to the bench against Brighton and, while he didn’t play, he will likely be there again this weekend for Crystal Palace, meaning there’s a chance he will make both his senior debut and his league debut before the end of the month.

Even if he doesn’t, though—and even if Liverpool’s injured defenders starting to return to training following the weekend limit his chances beyond the month—Camacho has shown enough promise to convince Jürgen Klopp he’s good enough, if needed, to play a role.