Ben Woodburn: 1st Goal for Liverpool @ age 17
Scripture Passage: 'Be careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...' Ephesians 5:15-16
Enter Ben Woodburn, who started playing soccer for the Liverpool Football Club at a very young age. He has proven himself through the ranks, from the U17s and now starting at the U23s this fall. Because of injury, Ben was called upon for his first debut last weekend in the final minutes of a fairly meaningless EPL 2-0 win against Sunderland.
Last night, Ben comes in for the injured Kevin Stewart at the 66:00 mark in the EFL Cup playoff game vs Leeds. Stewart, also a prodigy of Liverpool, has seen a lot of time as a midfielder this season and has done a nice job of controlling and disrupting opposing offenses.
Back to Woodburn: Due to the numerous injuries this year in the Liverpool midfield and striking positions, they have to turn to their farm club (U23) for position players. Because Woodburn had been playing so well at the younger levels, he was moved up this fall and had taken advantage of his opportunity by scoring goals at the higher level. This gave the Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, the confidence in bringing the youngster on. And the rest, they say, is history.
Ben becomes the youngest player ever to score for the Liverpool football club at the age of 17 years and 45 days, a record formerly held by the famous Michael Owen for more than two decades.
Klopp said this in an interview after the game:
"We always want young players to get a chance. You can't expect 10-12 appearances. You might get one or two and you have to take your chance."
Work hard and prepare. You never know when your name will be called. When it is, be ready and make the most out of it.
Grace & Peace
PLW
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