'He Eliminates Defenders & Takes People Out Of The Game' - Liverpool Boss Backs 'King Of The Dribble' To Score More Goals

Published: October 29, 2018

Liverpool U23 coach Neil Critchley believes Bobby Adekanye deserves to score more goals on the back of his performances for the club's youth teams and hailed the winger for his excellent dribbling skills and pace.

The Ibadan-born starlet has figured in ten games for the Reds youth teams in the current campaign, scoring three goals, including two in the UEFA Youth League.

The former Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam whizkid was not available for selection for the Premier League 2 tie against Derby County as a result of fitness issues.

Having returned to action against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Youth League, Adekanye is expected to be named in the Liverpool squad against Blackburn Rovers U23s on Monday.

''We missed him against Derby and what we miss is his ability to take players on and get at people, '' Critchley told Liverpool's official website.

''He eliminates defenders and takes people out of the game which opens up the game for other people. His performance after two-and-a-half weeks out against Red Star Belgrade was really encouraging.

''I thought it was a terrific game from him but unfortunately it was probably another game you could probably say Bobby could have walked off with the match ball. ''

He added : ''It’s something we have got to work on with Bobby, to improve his consistency of finishing and we are working with him.

''One thing about Bobby is he has got a great attitude and great belief in himself so we will continue to try and improve that side of his game and we are confident he will get there. He has a lot of qualities.''

Although Adekanye was born in Nigeria, he has represented the Netherlands U16 and U17 national teams.

Igho Kingsley