Liverpool Loan Watch: September 2018

Welcome to the second part of my new 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 August piece, here’s a link: http://fanscorners.com/liverpool-loan-review-august-2018/

Let’s see how they got on in September…

Loris Karius – Besiktas

One of three Liverpool goalkeepers out on loan, Karius has had a very good month at Besiktas. His debut came in a 1-1 draw with Bursaspor, where he made a good save, but was to blame for Bursaspor’s goal. His side earned a 2-1 win against Yeni and Karius was in fine form, making three very good saves including one from a free kick, and while there were question marks over his decisiveness for the Yeni goal, this was a step in the right direction. Besiktas kicked their Europa League campaign off with a 3-1 win over Sarpsborg, with Karius being blameless for the Sarpsborg consolation. This game saw Karius make a great one handed save, as well as manage a one-on-one situation very well. A potential title battle was next, as Besiktas got a draw with Fenerbahce. Karius made a few decent saves and was beaten by a good, looping header from former Swansea attacker Andre Ayew. Besiktas’ first clean sheet with Karius between the sticks came in a 2-0 win over Kaysserispor, the last match of September. All in all, a positive month for Karius, who is proving a popular figure with fans of the Turkish club.

Marko Grujic – Hertha Berlin

After a great start to the month, Marko Grujic’s progress has been halted by an unfortunate injury. Grujic’s September began with his first start for Hertha Berlin, playing the full 90 in a superb 2-0 victory away at Champions League side Schalke, who have made a horrendous start to the campaign. His first start was greeted with praise for his energy, matched with frustrations over his temperament, giving away a penalty, which ultimately didn’t prove to be costly as it was missed. Despite the penalty incident, Grujic kept his place for the following match, a 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg, during which Grujic got another 90 minutes under his belt. The Serb had another good game and was dominant aerially as his Berlin team earned a hard-fought point. Then came an excellent 4-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, which is the game that Grujic sustained his injury. After 72 minutes, Liverpool’s number 16 was withdrawn with an injury later diagnosed as ankle ligament damage. Manager Pal Dardai expressed his upset with this news, stating that Grujic had already made a “significant difference” to his team. He is expected to be out for around 8 weeks, which is gutting considering how well Hertha have started the season, and despite a setback with defeat at Werder Bremen, this was more than amended for with a historic 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich, putting Grujic’s club level on points at the top of the league. Fingers crossed that the midfielder quickly recovers and can soon continue to contribute to what is looking like being a very memorable season for Hertha.

Danny Ings – Southampton

Despite starting every game he was available for, Danny Ings has had a quiet month, featuring just three matches. His September started with a goalscoring performance in a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park, stabbing home a nice goal to secure Saints the points. Ings’ second goal of the month came in a highly entertaining 2-2 draw with South Coast rivals Brighton on Monday Night Football. Southampton were awarded a penalty in the second half, which Ings calmly converted. The following match was Southampton’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield, a game Ings was ineligible to play in, and his run of games was further halted as his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Everton was postponed a week following a convoluted fixtures dispute between Everton, Southampton, Liverpool and Chelsea. His return to action came after two weeks without playing, but it was a disappointing comeback game as Southampton were defeated 2-0 by new boys Wolves. Ings played 90 minutes and worked hard, but couldn’t earn his team a result at Molineux. The striker has a busy October ahead, facing clashes with Chelsea, Bournemouth and Newcastle in the league, as well as the belated cup tie with Everton.

Adam Bogdan – Hibernian

It’s been a very good month for Hibernian’s Adam Bogdan. After recovering from injury sustained in August, the Hungarian goalkeeper has firmly established himself as Hibs’ number 1. There was disappointment as they opened September with a 2-1 defeat to surprise package Livingston, but Bogdan kept the score down, making a very good one handed save from a Scott Pitman header. Since then though, Hibs have been on top form. They beat Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock 3-2, and while Bogdan was beaten at his near post for the first goal, he made some good saves to secure the win. Hibernian then travelled to Premiership strugglers Dundee and recorded a comfortable 3-0 win, with Bogdan making one very good save in particular. Then came Hibernian’s League Cup quarter final tie with Aberdeen. Bogdan made some good stops to ensure that the match ended 0-0, and made a penalty save in the shootout too, though was unlucky to be on the losing side as Aberdeen qualified on penalties. In the wake of Hibernian’s penalty exit, Bogdan expressed his frustrations with the referee for failing to notice Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis being persistently off his line during the shootout. Bogdan’s September ended with a 1-0 win over St Mirren, a match which featured a good save from the former Bolton stopper. The month ends with Bogdan having kept three consecutive clean sheets and Hibernian being second in the league, behind Edinburgh rivals Hearts. While Bogdan may not have a future at Liverpool, it’s good to see him rebuilding his career as a competent and decent goalkeeper.

Ryan Kent – Rangers

September has been an excellent calendar month for Ryan Kent, who has established himself as an important part of the Rangers team and has improved his performance level greatly. Kent struggled to get in the game in the 1-0 loss to Celtic, but more than made up for it with a man of the match performance in the subsequent 4-0 win against Dundee. Kent nabbed his first goal against the Dark Blues, playing a lovely little give and go with top scorer Alfredo Morelos before coolly slotting the ball past the keeper. His general play was impressive and showed touches of quality, something which continued as Rangers started their Europa League with a creditable 2-2 draw away at Villarreal. Kent was given 90 minutes for the third successive game and impressed with great work rate all game and involvement in Kyle Lafferty’s equalising goal. Next up was a terrific showing from Kent as he dominated the park, helping his side to a 5-1 win over St Johnstone. As well as constant driving runs and being an attacking threat for all 71 minutes he was on the pitch, he had a second half shot which crashed off the bar and into the path of Scott Arfiield to score. Another highlight of Rangers’ month was qualification for the semi-finals of the League Cup, achieved with a consummate 4-0 victory over championship side Ayr United at Ibrox. Kent once again got 90 minutes and put in a great shift, assisting Nikola Katic’s opening goal. The month ended in frustration for the Gers as their away day troubles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Livingston. After starting from the bench, Kent was brought on for the second half and while unable to change the scoreline, was singled out by Steven Gerrard as the only positive of the day. The attacker has had a very enjoyable month in Glasgow and will be key to Rangers continuing their challenge on three fronts this season.

Ovie Ejaria – Rangers

Ovie Ejaria has had a difficult month as injuries have hampered his game time greatly in September. The former Sunderland loanee played the full 90 in the Old Firm derby defeat and was one of few Rangers players to have played well. However, Ejaria missed the next two matches through a small injury which unfortunately ruled him out of the clashes with Dundee and Villarreal. Liverpool’s number 53 made his return to action against St Johnstone, getting 34 minutes from the bench as he replaced captain James Tavernier. His first start after injury was the 4-0 win over Ayr in the League Cup – Ejaria played the full 90 and was one of the best players on the pitch, showing excellent energy and driving runs from midfield, as well as some fine skills to evade the challenges of defenders. Ejaria was in the starting eleven once again as Rangers fell to defeat against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Stadium. He was arguably Rangers’ biggest threat throughout the match, coming close on a few occasions but being unable to force a breakthrough against the Lothian outfit.

Sheyi Ojo – Stade de Reims

Over in France, September has been the month that Sheyi Ojo has made his first few appearances for Stade de Reims. He got 12 minutes from the bench as his side lost 1-0 to 3^rd placed Montpellier for his debut, but there was more to come. The next match for the recently promoted team was an away fixture at Nantes – which ended 0-0. Ojo came off the bench with 17 minutes left and had an instant impact – occupying good positions on the left and right flank and being unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. Next up was Dijon, and Ojo’s first start. The former Wolves and Wigan attacker was withdrawn after 59 minutes but put in a lively performance as his side once again drew 0-0. It’s not just been the Liverpool first team facing PSG this month, as Ojo’s Reims took on the French champions and despite taking a surprise early lead, were defeated 4-1. The loanee played the full 90 for the first time in his Reims career, and so it was a bit of a surprise to see him back on the bench for the following fixture with Bordeaux. He was brought on with 21 minutes left and again found himself involved as Reims played out yet another goalless draw. Reims are happy with his progress and there is no doubt that he will be a key player as they look to maintain their status in Ligue 1 – where they currently lie 15th.

Connor Randall – Rochdale

It’s been a pretty disastrous month for poor Connor Randall on loan at Rochdale. He was kept out of Rochdale’s 1-0 win over Coventry with the injury sustained in the Carabao Cup exit to Middlesbrough. He recovered from this in time to start the second game of September, a 2-1 victory against Bury, but his luck was dramatically cut short when he suffered a fractured cheekbone during this match. Manager Keith Hill was very disappointed with this news and opted to send Randall back to Melwood for his treatment. Randall is expected to be out for 12 weeks, and with his loan deal only running until January, it is possible that he won’t play any further part in The Dale’s League One campaign. A month of mixed results has left Rochdale in 17^th place, 3 points above the drop zone.

Ben Woodburn – Sheffield United

Perhaps one of the most surprising stories of Liverpool’s loanees is the lack of game time Ben Woodburn is receiving at Sheffield United. He was an unused substitute in the first two games of the month – having to watch from the bench on both occasions as the Blades first demolished Aston Villa at Bramall Lane before falling to a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City. Woodburn’s only appearance in September came in a 0-0 home draw with Garry Monk’s Birmingham. The Welsh attacker saw 13 minutes off the bench but was left frustrated as he lost the ball a number of times and arguably tried too hard to impress, resulting in him getting stuck down a few blind alleys. Woodburn was an unused sub once again as his side defeated Preston 3-2, and didn’t even make the squad for the victory over Millwall by the same scoreline. Chris Wilder assured fans that Woodburn remained an important part of his plans despite the lack of game time, emphasising Woodburn’s good work in training. Sheffield United sit 4^th in the Championship after a very good start to the season, and Woodburn will be looking to feature far more regularly as the Blades chase promotion.

Harry Wilson – Derby County

Harry Wilson has had a starry month for Derby, grabbing the headlines for one moment in particular. After injury kept him out of a win against his former club Hull and a defeat to Rotherham, he was back in the matchday squad for a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. Wilson was given the last quarter of the game and made a good impression. His first start since mid-August came against high-flying Brentford. After being 1-0 down early on, Wilson helped turn the game around for Derby, scoring the equaliser to set the Rams on course for a 3-1 win. The Welshman started a brilliant counter attack from a Brentford corner and slotted home at the end of the swift move to net his first goal for Derby. Wilson really announced himself to the world with an exceptional performance at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. Derby were 1-0 down early on but equalised when Wilson scored an absolutely audacious free kick from excess of 30 yards from goal. The curl, technique and accuracy that Wilson managed to get on his strike was nothing short of phenomenal. He continued to be Derby’s biggest threat and confidently scored his penalty in the shootout as the Rams defeated Jose Mourinho’s team on penalties to qualify for the last sixteen, where a similarly difficult test awaits in Chelsea. Wilson started against Bolton in the league and Derby’s troubles on the road continued as Lampard’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat in a game that saw Wilson drift in and out. This month has seen Wilson cement his place as one of the country’s most promising youngsters – and that free kick at Old Trafford will be played over and over again as his career develops.

Taiwo Awoniyi – KAA Gent

The month has been split into two very distinct halves in terms of time on the pitch for the Nigerian striker. Awoniyi was omitted from the matchday squad for the 3-0 win against Cercle Brugge and was an unused substitute for the 2-1 home defeat to Sint-Truiden. His return to action came in a terrible 4-0 defeat to league leaders Club Brugge. Awoniyi was given 22 minutes from the bench but failed to make an impact on the game. Gent progressed to the last 16 of the Belgian Cup with a 4-2 win over Virton – and Awoniyi was back to starting action as he played the full 90. It was an impressive match for the striker, as he scored twice – both good, accurate headers from crosses to help his side qualify. Another start followed in a 2-2 draw with Royal Antwerp as Gent were back in league action. Awoniyi getting consecutive 90 minutes is a positive sign as he looks to get regular game time.

Allan Rodrigues de Souza – Eintracht Frankfurt

After an August which saw Allan fail to be named in a single matchday squad, September has been a more fruitful month for the midfielder. September began in the same way that August ended, with Allan not being involved in the squads for the first three games of the month – Bundesliga losses to Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund and a Europa League win over Marseille. However, his fortunes were soon to change as he was named on the bench for the first time for Frankfurt’s home fixture with RB Leipzig. Allan was brought onto the field of play with 17 minutes remaining, and was heavily involved in play. He occupied a deep, CDM role and saw plenty of the ball and looked to create chances as his side drew 1-1. Allan was once again on the bench for a 3-1 defeat to Monchengladbach, though this time remained unused. The Brazilian’s first start of the season came in the last game of September, an impressive 4-1 win over Hannover. Allan played the full 90 minutes and was heavily involved in an excellent win. The signs are much more positive for Allan this month and his hopes of earning a work permit and having a future at Liverpool look brighter now that he is getting game time at Frankfurt.

Anderson Arroyo – KAA Gent

The young left back is still waiting for his first involvement in the matchday squad for Gent’s first team. However, he has been getting some playing time for the U21s, hopefully with a view to gradually being integrated into the senior squad.

Shamal George – Tranmere Rovers

If the idea was for Shamal George to go on loan to Tranmere and get weekly game time, then the plan isn’t working so far. George is firmly second choice goalkeeper for Rovers, behind ex-Fleetwood man Scott Davies, who has started every League Two match this season. George’s only appearance in September came in a 4-3 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy – a game that could’ve seen a Liverpool U23 head-to-head, but Corey Whelan was unused for Crewe. George was at fault for three of the four goals that Tranmere conceded, with a lack of decisiveness and command of the box proving to be his downfall on numerous occasions in this match. George has sat on the bench for the league clashes with Northampton, Colchester, Carlisle, Newport and MK Dons and is likely to have to wait for the next EFL Trophy tie for his next chance.

Herbie Kane – Doncaster Rovers

There’s no doubt which of our loan deals has been most successful so far – it’s this man Herbie Kane, who is making a terrific impression at Doncaster Rovers. Grant McCann’s side are 3^rd in the table and looking like promotion contenders, and so much of that is down to Kane. His month started with a man of the match winning display in a creditable 1-1 draw with 2^nd placed Peterborough United, exhibiting magnificent composure on the ball. The only blow for Doncaster this month was an EFL Trophy defeat to Newcastle U21, which Kane played the full 90 minutes in. Since then though, it’s been four wins on the spin for Rovers, starting with a 2-1 victory against Luton at the Keepmoat, where Kane put in a solid but unspectacular display, a theme that continued with 75 minutes in a fantastic 4-1 win away at Walsall, who are also looking good this season. While Kane was a little quieter than usual in these two wins, he was still involved in Donny’s play and was an integral part of the midfield. He played the full 90 in a 2-1 win over Yorkshire rivals Bradford, showing great quality in the middle of the park, and then put in yet another man of the match shift as Doncaster worked hard to defeat Plymouth Argyle 3-2 away from home. Fans were wowed by his adaptability as he moved to a deeper role and showed an incredible range of passing and maturity. McCann has been waxing lyrical about Kane, revealing that statistically, Kane’s ball recoveries are among the best in the league. The Doncaster boss says that he is surprised by the speed of his progress, and expressed a keen interest in the possibility of extending the loan deal beyond January.

Corey Whelan – Crewe Alexandra

After not being involved in Crewe’s first League Two match of the month against Macclesfield, there was some surprise as Whelan also didn’t make the matchday squad for the EFL Trophy fixture with Tranmere, cruelly robbing us of a Liverpool loanee head-to-head with Shamal George. Whelan’s first appearance was in fact a start, in a 0-0 draw with Cheltenham. The right back got 90 minutes and put in a good performance. Whelan started again as Crewe fell to defeat at the hands of Port Vale, and was called upon in the EFL Trophy as his side were soundly beaten by Man City U21s, although the Liverpool U23 captain put in a decent attacking display and played the full 90 minutes. Crewe were then beaten by Notts County, now under the management of former Liverpool player Harry Kewell, and the full back suffered a very disappointing day as he was given a real rollicking by boss David Artell on the touchline, in front of players and fans. The positives are that he is getting a good amount of time on the pitch and is Crewe’s first choice right back.

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

Daniel Daykin

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Max

I'm 19 years old, and have a real passion for Liverpool. I enjoy expressing my views about football. I am the owner of fanscorners.com and one of the presenters at The Red Corner.

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