In a recent interview (via Liverpool Echo), Neil Critchley has revealed that Blackpool are set to hold talks to extend Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn’s loan deal with his current spell in the League One due to end soon. Critchley said,
“That’s a discussion we’re going to have now (about keeping him). We wanted to get through this game and see where we’re at.
“I thought Ben came on and did really well, he made a real difference. He looked bright and burst in behind to get the lad (Reece Burke) sent off.
“He also produced some good crosses and deliveries. That’s a discussion we’re going to have now and we’ll see what happens with him.”
Woodburn’s Underwhelming Loan Spell At Bloomfield Road
The Welsh playmaker has struggled to give a good account of himself while on loan in the English third division despite earning some valuable minutes under his belt. Woodburn has featured in 11 matches for the Seasiders this term but is still waiting to open his goal-scoring account for them.
The 21-year-old has failed to catch the eye as he is only averaging 0.5 shots and 0.3 key passes per game in the League One this season. He has not been able to earn regular first-team starts under Critchley’s stewardship but has distributed the ball relatively well in the opposition half after completing 76.3% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Welsh Prospect’s Best Attributes?
Woodburn is a quick and agile attacker who can retain possession in tight spaces to cause a few problems for the opposition defenders. He is not shy of having a shot at goal but is in dire need to be more clinical on the offensive end of the field.
The ten-time Wales international is a decent passer of the ball and usually works his socks off for his team even when he struggles to be effective inside the opponent’s penalty box. However, Woodburn is still quite raw and is nowhere near ready to feature for Jurgen Klopp’s first-team week in week out.
What Should Klopp Do With Regards To Woodburn’s Future?
It makes sense for the Reds to sanction another loan move for Woodburn as he won’t get any playing minutes if he decides to stay at Anfield for the second half of this campaign. The player can benefit from extending his loan stay at Bloomfield Road as such a move will give him another chance to establish himself as a regular starter for Blackpool in the coming months, which might help him return to Anfield as a better version of himself next summer.
With all things considered, Klopp should consider accepting Critchley’s loan proposal by allowing Woodburn to extend his spell on the Irish Sea coast of England because it will be beneficial for everyone involved.
