KEY POINTS

  • Liverpool hasn't played Jake Cain yet in the English Premier League
  • Some Reds fans think Cain is better than Lionel Messi
  • Liverpool U-23 coach Steve McManaman raved about the teenager's form

Liverpool has a player in its squad who could become the club’s next biggest draw.

The signing of Diogo Jota last summer proves that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp really has an eye for talents.

The Portuguese striker flourished under the tutelage of the German coach, but apparently, the Reds are still looking for a follow-up signing in the next transfer window.

However, some Liverpool fans think Klopp doesn’t have to scout for another Jota as the club already has Jake Cain, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who hasn’t made a single appearance in the senior team.

Cain’s fine form in Liverpool's Under-23 squad saw him being hailed as “better than Lionel Messi,” having recorded six goals and three assists in 13 Premier League 2–Division 1 matches.

The youth team star was promoted to the first team earlier this season along with an array of notable U-23 players. He had been called up as a substitute in several Premier League and UEFA Champions League games but has yet to be handed a single minute of pitch action.

It didn’t take long for Liverpool fans to notice the constant benching of Cain, and they are now clamoring for the midfielder’s debut.

According to Liverpool academy coach Steve McManaman, it would be best for Cain to continue developing his game with the help of the “best teachers” in the club.

“It’s been great for him to spend time at Melwood and be part of Jurgen’s squad on the European trips,” McManaman told The Athletic of Cain in November. “As a young player, you couldn’t ask for a better environment to continue your education than with the Premier League champions.”

“He’s got the best teachers possible in senior players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, and the coaching staff,” he continued.

In June last year, McNaman already expressed his desire to keep Cain as part the youth team. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of his player being promoted to Liverpool’s first team sooner rather than later.

“When I see some of the players who are excelling at the Academy, there's nothing better than not seeing them again [at youth team],” the coach told LFCTV. “ If you've got anything about yourself and if you want to be a first-team player in the future, you should be able to improve so much by playing with the best players in the world – and that's who Liverpool have got at the moment.”

“I love the fact that Leighton [Clarkson] and Jake [Cain] are there, Neco Williams is there and Curtis [Jones] has, of course, been there a while, like a number of the older ones. But whenever they disappear to Melwood and hold their own, that means they're improving, that means they're getting better," he added.

Jurgen Klopp (left) takes his side to play Carlo Ancelotti's Everton this weekend
Jurgen Klopp (left) is undergoing injury woes at Liverpool at the moment AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI