Liverpool fans have unearthed a new star in pre-season ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Reds continued their preparations for the upcoming campaign with a 3-2 defeat against Monaco at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to the Ligue 1 outfit, there were plenty of positives to take for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were both on the scoresheet during the first half as Liverpool took a 2-0 lead.
However, it was centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe who caught the eye with his display during the opening 45 minutes.
The 18-year-old won three tackles as well as all four of his duels, lining up alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Ndukwe’s tackles and duels won were the most of any player during the first half.
The Austria Under-21 international also completed 23 out of 24 attempted passes.
Meanwhile, one piece of skill in particular earned applause from Van Dijk after his turn left Monaco striker Mika Biereth on the floor.
talkSPORT verdict
talkSPORT’s Micky Gray was equally impressed with the teenager’s performance, explaining live on talkSPORT: “Played really well in that first 45 minutes, but I think it’s because he hasn’t played enough international football that they’re struggling to get a work permit for him.
“So I think he’s going to have to go out on loan.
“We know the problems that Liverpool have got in those centre-half positions.
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“So that’s really unfortunate for him, but I think it’s a story that might linger on a little bit.”
Following Ibrahima Konate’s departure for Real Madrid, Liverpool have just four senior centre-backs at the club.
Of those, Van Dijk is the only one currently fit with youngsters Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet yet to return to action after long-term injuries.
Joe Gomez is also expected to be unavailable until September due to a muscle problem.
However, Liverpool are set to announce the signing of Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, talkSPORT understands.
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Who is Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Ndukwe from Austria Vienna in January, with the defender joining the club this summer.
His arrival had been delayed until after he turned 18 in March.
Ndukwe was part of the squad which travelled to the USA for the Reds’ pre-season tour.
During the trip, he featured in all three matches against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United.
Liverpool conclude their summer schedule with a pair of friendlies against Como at Anfield on Sunday, August 16.
Meanwhile, at international level, Ndukwe has already been called up to the Under-21 squad.
He was previously part of the Austria side which reached the final of last year’s U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite that, Ndukwe does not meet the requirements for a UK work permit and will not be able to feature competitively for the Reds this season.
