Youngster James McConnell could feature for Liverpool in tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture.
Liverpool travel to Union Saint-Gilloise in the final group game, having already topped their group. They breezed through to the last 16 with a game to spare, winning four of their five matches in the competition to date.
The Reds also claimed top spot in the Premier League following Saturday’s 2-1 comeback victory at Crystal Palace. Thanks to their early qualification for the Europa League knockouts, Jurgen Klopp has been able to use tonight’s trip to Brussels as a chance to rest key players and give some youngsters a run-out.
One such youngster is 19-year-old midfielder James McConnell.
Who Is James McConnell?
An exciting attacking midfielder, James McConnell has been at Liverpool since joining at under-15 level. Born in Morpeth in the North East, he played youth football for EFL Championship club Sunderland before making the move to Anfield.
By 2020/21, McConnell started playing regularly for Liverpool’s under-18 side. He signed his first professional contract with the club just after his 17th birthday. In October 2022, he signed a long-term extension with Liverpool.
The teenager was included in Jurgen Klopp’s 27-man squad for July 2023’s pre-season tour to Singapore. McConnell was praised by Klopp for his performance on the tour, earning plaudits from pundits and the media.
His first involvement in a senior match day squad came in August 2023 as he was named as a replacement against Chelsea. Although he did not make it off the bench, he wouldn’t have to wait long.
James McConnell’s Liverpool debut came as a substitute, with the Reds beating Toulouse 5-1 at Anfield in the Europa League on 26 October 2023. His Premier League debut followed in November, as he replaced Dominik Szoboszlai late on during a 3-0 home victory over Brentford.
Congratulations to Calum Scanlon and James McConnell, who made their Liverpool debuts last night. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/2z3BNKNUTm
— Liverpool Fabric (@liverpoolfabric) October 27, 2023
James McConnell’s Potential
With McConnell impressing both his manager and teammates on tour in Singapore, the sky is the limit for this youngster. Comparisons to Alexis Mac Allister extend further than both players being nicknamed ‘Macca’.
The pair are both primarily an attacking-midfielder, but are also capable of operating deeper in the ‘number six’ role. McConnell’s calmness on the ball earned particular praise from Klopp, who gave him his Premier League debut in November.
A versatile young prospect, he has also played at right-back for Liverpool’s under-21s this season, and excelled in last year’s UEFA Youth League.
Although yet to earn an England youth call-up, it surely can’t be long before McConnell plays for the Young Lions. Should he feature tonight, it will only further the youngster’s already rapid development.
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