Liverpool Loan Watch: October Edition

The international break seems like a good time to check in on the cadre of players who went out on loan in search of first team minutes. Let’s take a look at how each of the players have fared over the course of the last month.

Harry Wilson - Bournemouth

No bangers this month for Harry Wilson, but he did add to his goal tally after finishing off a nice team goal against Southampton. He showed a really nice sense of timing and positioning on his run into the box.

Wilson also pulled back the curtains a little bit about how Liverpool keeps tabs on player on loan. Apparently he scores nice enough goals that Jurgen Klopp sends him smiley face emojis. Honestly, that would be a life goal for me.

Marko Grujic - Hertha Berlin

Grujic has kept up his strong form for the German side, and is an anchor in their midfield. The young Serb is playing the full 90 minutes every game and chipped in with a goal in loss against Mainz. He recently earned plaudits for a stellar performance against Fortuna Dusseldorf. Grujic’s Hertha Berlin squad has risen up to 10th in the Bundesliga, winning their last three games in a row after a slow start.

Sheyi Ojo - Rangers

The 22 year old winger has been a regular starter for Rangers, but he has failed to hit the back of the net since he scored a goal in the last round of the Europa League Qualifications. Ojo added fuel to the already hot rivalry with Celtic by claiming that Rangers are currently the best team in Scotland several weeks ago, prompting Rangers legend Barry Ferguson to state he wish Ojo would “keep it in-house”.

Nathaniel Phillips - VFB Stuttgart

In good news, VFB Stuttgart are currently tied on points for first place in 2. Bundesliga, sitting second in the table on goal differential. In not as good news, Phillips was unable to hold onto a consistent starting spot at center back after Marc-Oliver Kempf returned from injury. Phillips did start the latest game while Holger Badstuber was out with a knock. Badstuber is back in training, however, so it may be a short-lived starting role for young Nat.

Ovie Ejaria - Reading

The young central midfielder seems to be making the most of his time on a very bad Reading team, starting all of the games in the league thus far. While his squad is languishing in the 22nd spot (of 24) in the table, Ejaria has garnered praise for his performance against Bristol. Reading, however, have just sacked their manager, so Ejaria will have to prove himself to whoever is appointed as his next boss.

Ben Woodburn - Oxford United

On thing young players need is playing time. Thankfully, the 19 year old Ben Woodburn has been getting plenty of minutes recently. After a bit of a mixed start, he seemed to be rounding into form with two assists in his last three games. Unfortunately, the young Welshman broke a bone in his foot and will be out for several months. Here’s hoping Woodburn can get back on the field and make an impact with the League One side.

Kamil Grabara - Huddersfield Town

The young Polish shot stopper is the nailed on starter in net for the Championship side. Grabara and Huddersfield Town have struggled to start the season, but have managed to claim two clean sheets and two wins over their last two games. The team currently sits in 21st place, just outside of the relegation zone.

Taiwo Awoniyi - Mainz

Not much to say here. Awoniyi has only made one appearance this past month, clocking just 14 minutes. His side have managed to move from bottom of the table up to 13th in the Bundesliga, but it looks like there currently are many opportunities for the young Nigerian forward.

Allan - Fluminense

The 22 year old Brazilian midfielder is starting and playing every game in a holding midfield role. He added an assist in a win over Corintians in September.

Loris Karius - Besiktas

The German keeper is still the starting keeper for the Turkish side, Besiktas. The team has struggled a but, sitting in 13th of 18 teams, and Karius had a gaff a few weeks ago when he came out of his box to head a ball, and collided with his defender, leaving the ball to the striker. Karius still believes in himself, however, backing himself to play for Liverpool or another big side in the future.

“Will I play for Liverpool again? Of course it’s an option and a good option to still be there,” stated the German Keeper when asked about his future. “Maybe I’ll play for them again, you never know. It’s still far ahead. If it’s not Liverpool, it will be another decent team, so I’m not worried about any scenario.”