Michael Owen tells Liverpool to be patient with exciting 17-year-old attacker
The Liverpool legend offers the Reds some advice about their exciting 17-year-old talent Ben Woodburn
Michael Owen has urged Liverpool not to get carried away with teenage prospect Ben Woodburn.
The 17-year-old hit the headlines during the international break for his superb cameo performance in Wales’ 1-0 victory over Austria.
Woodburn came off the bench to score a 25-yard winner to breathe life into Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign.
The teenager has found his first-team opportunities limited in the 2017-18 season so far but Woodburn has been a regular fixture in Jurgen Klopp’s matchday squad.
The Welsh forward surpassed Owen as Liverpool’s youngest-ever goal-scorer after he scored against Leeds United in the EFL Cup last season at the age of 17 years and 45 days.
Former Liverpool striker Owen has warned the Reds to be careful with the promising teenager as Woodburn continues his development at the five-time European champions.
“It’s just not right. This lad is a very good player but we are getting over-excited,” Owen told BT Sport Premier League Tonight show on Saturday evening.
“Yes, he’s played a couple of games for Liverpool and a couple of games for Wales. But we’ve hardly seen him. Let’s not get carried away.”
Woodburn has scored one goal in nine appearances in all competitions since making his Liverpool debut in a 2-0 win against Sunderland back in November.
Liverpool suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon to bring to an end their unbeaten start to the season.
The Reds will host Spanish side Sevilla in their opening Champions League group-stage fixture at Anfield on Wednesday night.
