“Luke Matheson – wow!” – The words used by Rochdale manager Keith Hill, as he described one of the most attractive youngsters on show in England at the moment. Luke Matheson is now a household name in the region, after the 15-year old put in a match-winning performance in his substitute appearance in the 2-1 victory over local rivals Bury, in a recent Checkatrade Trophy win. And reports from Daily Mail claim that Manchester United and Liverpool are already interested in adding him to their youth squads.
The teenager became the youngest ever debutant for Rochdale, as he came on in the 13th minute in the game against Bury. He was a part of the youth squad that won the EFL North West Youth Alliance league title last season but only made his senior debut on Tuesday, earlier this week. Incidentally, it was on the same day as he started his Year 11 in High School.
A right back by trade, Matheson is a player who believes in his abilities and as revealed by his manager, has already started training with the first team. The 15-year old has already spoken about facing bigger challenges in the future and claimed that he would take time to honestly realise his potential.
The Rochdale starlet was vocal about the support his teammates have given him. He was involved in the matchday squad last season as well, which shows the amount of confidence the manager has in the youngster.
Matheson believes that he may not be physically ready for the biggest challenges in the country but is happy with the things he learns from players around him in the senior side. It is an opportunity not many get at this age and the fact that he is only showing more promise by the day makes him a real asset for a club like Rochdale.
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“We know what he can do. It’s not a leap of faith because we know he can do it, but is he cut out for the pressure of real men’s football?”, Hill said, praising Matheson’s debut against Bury. At just 15, he already has the public talking about him, and if he can keep up the hard work, he would surely be closely monitored by the biggest clubs in the top flight.
Liverpool have an impressive academy, and the rise of youngsters like of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson is enough proof that Matheson would get his opportunity if he is given a chance to sign for the Reds. Manchester United have recently signed a youngster in that role in Digo Dalot, so the Rochdale man take time to make an impact there.
Both clubs have one of the best academies in Europe, and if Matheson can continue his growth, there is every chance that he will be a part of either club in the coming future.
