Liverpool Loan Watch: October 2018

Welcome to the third part of my series of monthly articles; tracking the progress of Liverpool’s loanees for the 2018/19 season. This will be an ongoing series which will hopefully help keep fans up-to-date on how our players are getting on at their temporary homes. Liverpool currently have sixteen players on loan, and this series will follow their campaign closely, and assess which of the loaned players are likely to have a future at Anfield.

If you missed my September piece, here’s a link: http://fanscorners.com/liverpool-loan-watch-september-2018/

Let’s see how they got on in October…

Loris Karius – Besiktas

This has been a difficult month in Turkey for Loris Karius. It started with a Europa League defeat in Sweden as Besiktas went down 2-0 at Malmo. Malmo’s first goal was a penalty, but Karius was completely at fault for the second – badly misjudging a cross into the box which ended up looping into the goal. Besiktas then drew a remarkable game with Konyaspor. After the opposition had scored a penalty, Besiktas turned the game around to lead with a goal from ex-Sunderland man Jeremain Lens. However Karius’ side conceded in the last minute, after centre back and former Liverpool target Domagoj Vida had been sent off. Next came another disappointing result for Senol Gunes’ side, a 2-0 defeat away at mid-table Goztepe. After being beaten by a close-range header, Besiktas’s deficit was doubled in the dying stages of the match by a diving header from former Derby, Norwich and Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome – who knew he was playing in Turkey these days? Besiktas were back in Europa League action against Genk, but it was not to be a happy return to the continental stage for Karius. The German goalkeeper wasn’t entirely at fault for any of the goals, with two powerful strikes from close range being followed up with a one-on-one that Karius lost and an unlucky deflection from a Besiktas defender going past him. This leaves the Turkish club bottom of the group and in desperate need of points to have a chance of qualification. At least October ended on a high with a first win of the month, 4-1 over Rizespor. Karius was close to keeping a clean sheet after some decent saves, with another unfortunate own goal the only blemish on the scoreline. Reports emerged this month that Besiktas may look to terminate the loan early, but more reliable sources are adamant that this isn’t the case and that they are happy with him.

Marko Grujic – Hertha Berlin

Unfortunately for Marko Grujic, he has been unable to recover from his injury sustained in September in time to play any part in Hertha Berlin’s October. His side have drawn every Bundesliga game in October – 1-1 with Freiburg, 0-0 with Mainz and 2-2 with league leaders Borussia Dortmund. This leaves them in sixth place, just a single point off the top four. Grujic’s side have also progressed to the last sixteen of the DFB Cup, defeating second division team Darmstadt 2-0 away from home. The month also saw Grujic express his happiness with his current club, stating that he is “really enjoying it here” and praising the Bundesliga for offering “good opportunities for young players to develop.” Interestingly, he mentioned that Jurgen Klopp keeps regular contact with him, and that his end goal is still to play for Liverpool. Grujic also reported that he has resumed light training and isn’t far away from a return to first team action. November should be a big month for him.

Danny Ings – Southampton

After a bright start to the month for Danny Ings, the following matches have been severely lacking in goals for the Saints. Ings opened the scoring for Southampton in their cup tie with Everton with a drilled finish into the bottom right corner and the former Burnley striker continued his record at Goodison by scoring his penalty in Southampton’s successful shootout as they earned a tie with Leicester in the last sixteen. From this point on though, Southampton didn’t muster a goal for the remainder of October, starting with a 3-0 loss at home to Chelsea. Ings missed a really good chance with the scores at 0-0 and later on could’ve been sent off for a lunging tackle. There was at least some improvement in the next two games as Mark Hughes’ side avoided defeat, with consecutive goalless draws against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Ings will be looking for more chances and more open games in the coming weeks as he aims to help Southampton climb the table.

Adam Bogdan – Hibernian

Adam Bogdan’s Hibernian side have had another good month, lying 4^th in the Scottish Premiership. Bogdan’s month started superbly as Neil Lennon’s side comfortably disposed of Hamilton Academical 6-0, with Bogdan a spectator for most of the match, although he made a good save on the only occasion he was called into action. This result meant it was four clean sheets in a row for the goalkeeper, an excellent return. Hibernian’s winning run was brought to an end with a 4-2 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead. Despite conceding four, Bogdan was given Hibernian’s man of the match for making a number of great saves to keep the score down and keep Hibs in the game. The stopper couldn’t do anything about any of the goals Brendan Rodgers’ side scored, let down by his defence for goals from Tom Rogic and Oliver Ntcham and was helpless for either of Osdonne Edouard’s strikes. Bogdan then had the week off as Hibs weren’t in the League Cup semi-finals, so his next fixture was a fierce Edinburgh Derby as Hibernian clashed with arch-rivals and table-topping Hearts. Craig Levein’s side were on top for the most part and Bogdan had to make an excellent save to deny Olly Lee early on. He had a quiet evening from there on in, although his command of his area was questionable as Hearts had a stoppage time goal disallowed.

Ryan Kent – Rangers

Of all sixteen Liverpool loanees, Ryan Kent has probably had the most successful October. He was man of the match in a special Ibrox night as Rangers came from 1-0 down to win 3-1 against Rapid Vienna. Kent absolutely ran defenders ragged from the left flank, showing some absolutely brilliant skills and inventive footwork, as well as a heavy involvement in the first goal. Kent found captain James Tavernier with a perfectly weighted pass, and the skipper fed Alfredo Morelos to equalise. Kent’s tremendous start to the month continued with another 90 minutes at Ibrox, this time against league leaders Hearts. It was different opposition but the same scoreline for the Gers as they ran out 3-1 winners to inflict a first defeat of the season on Craig Levein’s team. Kent was very good again and opened his October account after just four minutes with the easiest goal he’ll ever score – Rangers played a genius free kick routine and as the entire Hearts defence pushed up, Morelos and Kent were left free, allowing Kent to tap into the completely vacant net. Kent went on numerous mazy runs through the game and was once again awarded man of the match for his efforts. Next up was Hamilton away and the former Bristol City man opened the scoring for Rangers again, just before half time. Kent made a run through to middle to get on the end of a through ball from Morelos and brilliantly chipped the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box to set his side on their way to a crucial 4-1 victory. By this point the Rangers fans had come to love Kent and he was tipped by many as the most in form player in the league. Kent’s ability to get people out of their seats when he gets the ball is winning him admirers left, right and centre and this continued in Rangers’ goalless draw with Spartak Moscow in the Europa League. The winger was very effective and took his man on successfully, and almost provided a big moment as he beat two men to set up Eros Grezda, who blazed over with the last kick of the game. Kent was more subdued in Rangers’ biggest occasion of the season as they lost 1-0 to Aberdeen in the cup semi-final, appearing to struggle without the partnership of Morelos that he had become accustomed to. The month ended with a 1-1 draw at home to Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock. The winger started the game brightly but was very disappointing in the second half, though this was only a minor blemish on an otherwise superb month.

Ovie Ejaria – Rangers

Ovie Ejaria continues to be an important player for Rangers. His month began with a big European night at Ibrox against Rapid Vienna. Ejaria had a poor first half and was sloppy in possession but improved in the second half as the whole team did, and was influential in the second goal, playing a terrific pass to Alfredo Morelos who won a penalty which was then converted by James Tavernier. It was consecutive 3-1 wins for Rangers as they dispatched league leaders Hearts at home with an outstanding performance. Ejaria put in a very good shift in the middle of the park, making some threatening runs before being replaced after 66 minutes to facilitate the return of Ryan Jack. Rangers were poor away at Hamilton yet came away with a 4-1 win after a flurry of three goals in the last ten minutes of the game. Ejaria was the brightest of the midfield trident that contained ex-Liverpool youngster Jordan Rossiter and Ejaria was duly given the full 90 minutes. The Gers were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Spartak Moscow in the Europa League, and Ejaria was a subject of some fans’ disappointment after the game. The former Sunderland player was given the full 90 minutes but was guilty of slowing play down a few times when in possession and lacking offensive desire, though his defensive work to cut out play was commendable. Rangers’ most disappointing day of the season so far came next: a 1-0 loss in the cup semi-final at Hampden Park against Aberdeen. Ejaria didn’t get involved in the game enough and was perhaps a little overawed by the occasion. He didn’t make the matchday squad for the final game of the month, a draw with Kilmarnock in the league due to a small injury. This month has been interesting to see Ejaria play predominantly in a 4-3-3 alongside any duo of Scott Arfield, Lassana Coulibaly, Jordan Rossiter and Ryan Jack. There have been some calls from fans to revert back to the early season 4-2-3-1 and see Ejaria as a 10 in order to get more out of him from a creative perspective.

Sheyi Ojo – Stade de Reims

Sheyi Ojo has had quite a fruitful month, making a decent number of appearances and opening his account for Stade de Reims. He was named on the bench for the 0-0 draw with Nimes – remarkably a fourth goalless draw in five games for Reims. Ojo was given 12 minutes from the bench, though was afforded more time at home to Angers. With Reims 1-0 down, Ojo came on after 62 minutes and brought energy to his team as they levelled and grabbed an equaliser, which he had a hand in too. Ojo had a shot from the edge of the box which was parried into the path of Pablo Chavarria to equalise. The former Wolves, Wigan and Fulham man was then on the bench for his side’s brilliant 2-0 win away from home at Rennes, which leaves Reims in the lofty heights of 9^th in Ligue 1, a great placing for the newly promoted team. Reims’ defence has been excellent this season, with seven clean sheets in eleven matches. A French Cup fixture at home to Ligue 2 side US Orleans saw Ojo restored to starting action, and he did not disappoint. With 2 minutes left of the match and Reims trailing by a goal, Ojo slammed home a rebounded shot from close range to level. The game went to penalties, and Ojo confidently scored his penalty – one of only two Reims players to score as they exited 3-2 to the lower league side. Hopefully Ojo’s impressive contributions of late will earn him a starting spot in November.

Connor Randall – Rochdale

Connor Randall’s move to Rochdale hit a brick wall when he picked up a bad injury in the derby against Bury in September. The right back hasn’t recovered yet and as such hasn’t made an appearance in October. His club are 14^th in the league after a month which has seen them gain two wins – an impressive 2-0 away win over bottom side Bradford City and a 1-0 win at home against play-off chasing Charlton Athletic, now under the stewardship of Lee Bowyer. Keith Hill’s side were unlucky not to get something from a 3-2 defeat at home to play-off contenders Doncaster but were very poor in a 3-0 defeat to Wycombe. The Spotland side experienced mixed fortunes against two North West coast sides, with a 2-2 draw with Blackpool followed up with a 2-0 defeat at home to Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town – with ex-Liverpool youngster Jordan Williams scoring for the away side. Keith Hill will be looking to get Randall back before soon as his side are clearly conceding too many goals to mount a play-off challenge, and the defensive solidity Randall brings could make a difference.

Ben Woodburn – Sheffield United

When an attacking player goes on loan and his loan side go to the top of the Championship table, the immediate thought process is that this is great news. However, the brilliant form of Sheffield United, in particular Mark Duffy and David McGoldrick, is preventing Woodburn from getting significant gametime for the Yorkshire club. Woodburn hasn’t made an appearance for the Blades this month and has only been named in one matchday squad. He wasn’t involved in United’s win over Blackburn or loss to Derby, nor did he make the squad for the narrow 1-0 win over Hull, which sent Chris Wilder’s team to the top of the league. The day after the Derby defeat, Woodburn played 90 minutes for Liverpool’s U23s in a 2-3 defeat to, ironically, Derby County. This isn’t unusual and doesn’t mean that he has been recalled – when a loan player isn’t named in a matchday squad, they are eligible to play for their parent club’s U23s at the earliest possible opportunity. His side were frustrated with a 1-1 draw with Stoke as former Liverpool player Joe Allen scored late on to rob United of all three points. Woodburn was back on the bench as United dispatched Wigan 4-2 to move back to the summit of the table, but was unused. Mark Duffy’s injury could spark more gametime for Woodburn, who will be understandably frustrated with his lack of football so far. Still, being part of a squad that is looking for promotion to the Premier League could be useful day-to-day experience, especially as they continue to look increasingly likely to achieve that.

Harry Wilson – Derby County

Harry Wilson has had another good month for Derby who have risen up the table into the playoff places in October. Wilson was in the starting eleven for Derby’s 1-1 draw at home with fellow promotion contenders Norwich City. The Welsh winger was given 71 minutes, during which he was bright but lacked end product. He was moved to the bench for the following game at Loftus Road with QPR, which also ended 1-1. Wilson was introduced into the game with 36 minutes left and had a positive impact, making some good dribbles and testing Joe Lumley with a decent shot. Wilson’s cameo earned him a starting berth against top of the table Sheffield United in a monster clash at Pride Park. The Welshman played the full 90 minutes as his side achieved an excellent 2-1 win, playing a huge part in the first goal which came after just 19 seconds. The scorer of the early strike, Craig Bryson, was replaced early on and Wilson was moved into the centre of midfield to replace Bryson and was a little subdued in his deeper role. He remained in this position for Derby’s trip to He He West Brom. This was Derby’s best performance of the season as they dismantled the Baggies 4-1, with Wilson scoring the third – a brilliant strike into the right hand corner from distance. His impressive display meant that he continued in midfield as the Rams travelled to Middlesbrough, completing a week of massive fixtures against Championship big hitters. Wilson helped ensure Derby would come through the week unbeaten, hitting the post early with a brilliant strike and having a positive impact in the final third as his side mustered a 1-1 draw. Derby’s wonderful run in the Carabao Cup came to an end as they were defeated 3-2 at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea. Wilson played the majority of the game before being replaced after a quieter performance. Overall it has been a positive month for Wilson and he will be desperate to help Derby cement their top six place over the next few games.

Taiwo Awoniyi – KAA Gent

The Nigerian striker has found first team opportunities hard to come by in the month of October. The month started well, with Awoniyi being given a starting berth at home against Genk, but he was hooked after 66 minutes after having a quiet game. His side lost the game 5-1 in a terrible result, although I was interested to see former Swansea prodigy Alejandro Pozeulo playing for the opposition. He was back on the bench for the following fixtures, getting 11 minutes from the bench in a 4-0 win away at Oostende, and it was a similar story the following week – 10 minutes from the bench in a 2-1 win over Charleroi. The trend continued as Awoniyi’s October ended with 8 minutes from the bench in a 3-1 defeat to Royal Mouscron. Awoniyi will need to show more in his coming appearances to earn back his starting place.

Allan Rodrigues de Souza – Eintracht Frankfurt

Allan has found gametime once again very limited in October. He wasn’t involved in either Europa League fixture this month – excellent home wins over Lazio and Apollon Limassol which leave them top of their group with 9 points – and it later transpired that the midfielder wasn’t registered into Eintracht’s Europa League squad, meaning he won’t be available to participate in the competition until January at least. Domestically, the month started well. He was named in the starting eleven for the 2-1 win at Hoffenheim but only lasted 45 minutes as he was a little sloppy in possession and was also on a yellow card. He was back on the bench for the home fixture with Fortuna Dusselsorf, which his side incredibly ran out 7-1 winner in, with Luka Jovic scoring five times. Allan was unlucky not to get on the pitch for this, as Eintracht’s goalkeeper Kevin Trapp got injured and had to be replaced, which meant that the final substitution had to be a goalkeeping one, preventing Allan from getting on. His side travelled to Nuremberg next and Allan was brought on from the bench with 22 minutes left and his side 1-0 down, and had a positive impact on the game, making some decent passes and being present for his side’s last-minute equaliser. There is clearly potential in this player and it would be good to see him get some more time in the team next month.

Anderson Arroyo – KAA Gent

While Arroyo once again hasn’t been involved in the first team this month and still waits to make his debut, there is some more positive news for the Colombian. He is now fully integrated with the Gent U21 squad and played the full match as they drew 1-1 with Lokeren last week. Thinking more long term, the news emerging this month that Alberto Moreno is almost certain to leave at the end of the season opens up a space for a backup or development left back, a role which Liverpool U23 man Adam Lewis and Arroyo should be looking to compete for.

Shamal George – Tranmere Rovers

This month has confirmed that Shamal George is unequivocally the second-choice goalkeeper at Prenton Park. He hasn’t featured in any League Two fixture this month, and surprisingly hasn’t even been named in the squad for some of them. He was named on the bench for the brilliant 1-0 win over league leaders Lincoln City, but didn’t make the matchday squad for the thrilling 4-3 win over Morecambe, with Patrick Wharton taking his place on the bench. Following this, George was called to play for Liverpool’s U23s in their 1-0 defeat to West Brom in the PL Cup, in a similar situation to Ben Woodburn. Next up was Tranmere’s fixture with Shrewsbury in the Checkatrade Trophy, which I expected George to play, however he was not involved in this match – perhaps a blessing as his side were on the end of a 6-0 drubbing. George was back on the bench for the League Two clashes with Macclesfield and Yeovil – a 1-0 win and a 0-0 draw. He remained on the bench for the 3-1 defeat to Forest Green and the 5-1 victory against Crawley Town, moving Tranmere into the League Two playoff places, in 7^th – pretty impressive for a newly promoted club. George’s only start of the month came in Tranmere’s final Checkatrade Trophy fixture of the season against Man City U21s. Tranmere lost 1-0 and duly exited the competition, but this was a brighter game for George, who made a few decent saves including one with his feet to deny England starlet Felix Nmecha. George’s only appearances so far have come in cup competitions, so he will be relieved to know that the FA Cup First Round kicks off next weekend, where Tranmere will play non-league side Oxford City at home.

Herbie Kane – Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster have had a frustrating month in League One, losing their grip on a playoff place after a series of poor results. Kane however has once again been a crucial part of the Rovers team through the month of October. His month opened with a 1-0 defeat away at 6^th placed Accrington Stanley, but despite the poor result, Kane got 90 minutes and was awarded man of the match for his commanding midfield display. It was a similar story the following game as his side were comfortably beaten 4-0 at home by Fleetwood Town, although Kane was Donny’s best player in the defeat. The midfielder picked up a yellow card in this match which meant he was suspended for the following League One fixture, although this did mean that Kane was able to play 90 minutes as Doncaster’s Checkatrade Trophy campaign finally got underway with a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town. After being suspended for Doncaster’s clash with Rochdale, Kane returned to action against Gillingham in a pulsating 3-3 draw. This was arguably Kane’s weakest display so far and was subbed off after 58 minutes due to a dead leg sustained in the first half. The Bristol-born player was back to his best in Doncaster’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, named man of the match once again. Grant McCann watched his team complete a winless month with a 2-1 defeat away at Coventry. Kane played the full 90 minutes at the Ricoh Arena and was subdued at first before growing into the game.

Corey Whelan – Crewe Alexandra

The Irish right back has had a very successful month at Crewe Alexandra. He was bright in his team’s 1-0 win over Swindon Town, playing the full 90 minutes and putting a header just wide. Whelan was one of Crewe’s best performers as his side narrowly lost 1-0 to runaway League Two leaders Lincoln City by a score of 1-0, a game in which Whelan’s attacking game was at its best, coming close with a volley and displaying some superb diagonal balls. Whelan was unavailable for Crewe’s fixture with Bury as he was selected for the Republic of Ireland Under 21 side. Whelan was awarded man of the match in Crewe’s impressive 1-0 win away at Stevenage and played through the pain barrier after turning a knee. Whelan was given the full 90 minutes once more in a 1-1 draw away at Yeovil Town, but his month highlight was to come in the following home game against Grimsby Town. Whelan scored his first goal for Crewe, giving his side the lead in the 70^th minute after receiving a floated pass from Charlie Kirk, before slotting underneath the goalkeeper from inside the box. Whelan was involved in Crewe’s second goal too as they earned a 2-0 win. The month ended negatively for Crewe though as they were defeated 3-0 by Mansfield Town, leaving Whelan’s side 17^th in the table, although the playoff places are still in reach and Whelan is clearly an important player for David Artell’s side.

Make sure to check back next month for a report on how our loanees’ November goes!

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Daniel Daykin

A non-biased voice of reason among fellow Liverpool fans. I'll always tell you the truth, no matter how hard you find it to accept. I miss Suarez. A lot.

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