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Liverpool’s Luca Stephenson has hinted he could be willing to deputize as an auxiliary defender if needed this season.
The 21-year-old was named in the Reds’ 29-man squad that flew to Hong Kong on Sunday, after impressing during a season-long loan at Dundee United where he was voted the club’s young player of the season.
Stephenson has never played a competitive game for the Reds but was involved in pre-season last summer, prior to his move north of the border. Whether Stephenson has a role to play at Anfield this campaign remains unclear, but Arne Slot wants to incorporate more youngsters and is willing to redeploy midfielders such as Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in defense if required.
That could suit Stephenson, who typically plays in midfield but has been selected at center-back in the first two pre-season matches. Following the departure of Jarell Quansah earlier this summer, it’s an area where Liverpool is light in options.
Stephenson was deployed in defense during his stint in Scotland, and that experience could prove vital - it may even save Liverpool from finding a direct replacement for Quansah in the transfer market.
“[It] was interesting,” the academy graduate told the club’s website, when reflecting on his time at Tannadice Park. “But it landed me in good stead because I’ve obviously come back here and played center-half against Preston, which is not my natural position.
“But I played in so many positions last year, I just got used to learning on the job and doing it. Obviously I had a lot of good lads around me last year, and playing with Joe [Gomez] at center-back last week against Preston, he just talked me through the game. When you’re playing with players like that, it makes it much easier.
“I think it [being versatile] is a good thing, it can only benefit you can’t it really? I think if I couldn’t play in all of those positions, my chances would become more limited and you’re stuck to one position.
“I’m in the mindset that if there’s a space at right-back, I’ll play there. If there’s no space at right-back, where is the space and let’s see if I can fill a place.”
Reports in The Athletic this week claimed Stephenson is expected to sign a new long-term contract this summer and head out on loan after the pre-season tour of Asia. Meanwhile, the player admitted he didn’t expect to get the call up to the senior squad.
“[It was] a little bit [of a surprise], yeah,” he admitted. “There are not too many young lads here; it’s more of a senior group. When I came last year, there were a fair few young lads there, whereas this year it’s more senior.
“So, it feels even better to feel like you’re with more senior boys and learning from more senior players.”
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