Ben Woodburn Impresses In Closed Door Intrasquad Scrimmage

For the first time in seemingly months, Liverpool FC are not playing a competitive match thanks to a combination of the FA Cup and the FIFA international break. To keep the squad sharp, Jurgen Klopp, Pepjin Lijnders, and the rest of the coaching staff set up a closed door intrasquad scrimmage.

With many of the Liverpool senior team players given a rest ahead of next week’s international break, a group of academy players were given the opportunity to train with the remaining senior team members, and then take part in the scrimmage. The youth players involved included Ben Woodburn, Kaide Gordon, Billy Koumetio, and Mateusz Musialowski.

Ben Woodburn returned from yet another disappointing loan spell in the lower leagues in January. Since returning, he has stepped in with the U23s, and provided a couple of assists. With a chance to impress the first team coaches, Woodburn left no doubt during the scrimmage. The former wunderkind scored a hat trick, reportedly giving new signing Ben Davies a torrid time. Still only 21 years of age, Woodburn has a chance to show he can make it at a professional level.

Not to be left out, new youth signing Kaide Gordon also found the back of the net. The 16 year old joined from Derby County in January, and showed why he is considered one of the best attacking prospects in his age group. He made a run from deep to receive the ball, used his pace to stay ahead of a defender, and then slipped a left footed shot past the keeper (clip below)

Those two players accounted for four of the goals scored by their team. Rhys Williams tacked on a fifth goal, while Billy Koumetio scored a consolation goal for his side. The final score ended 5-1. Check out the towering header from Williams below.

First team coach Pep Lijnders was quite happy with the performances in the scrimmage.

“The variety in the type of goals, the conviction both teams played with was just great to see,” said Lijnders.

“All the senior players were pure examples – their character was top. I love that. You can lose games, but you should never lose team spirit.”

With no competitive game again until Liverpool travel to London to take on Arsenal on April 4, let’s hope the players can recharge and come back raring to go ahead of a busy stretch in both the Premier League and the Champion’s League.