Liverpool drew 1-1 with Austrian side FC Wacker Innsbruck in their opening pre-season friendly, with Kaide Gordon‘s performance on the right flank catching the eye.
The Reds were held in a 30-minute training game under the Alps, with Brazilian striker Ronivaldo cancelling out Divock Origi‘s dubiously won penalty.
It was a largely uninteresting friendly, in truth, but whenever 16-year-old winger Gordon picked up the ball it was worth watching, as he took on players at will with skill, bravery and pace.
Gordon, signed from Derby in a £3 million deal in February, was part of the under-18s squad immediately after his move, but scored on his debut for the under-23s on the final day of last season.
The teenager ended his first half-season with seven goals and three assists from eight games, and looks poised to shine as part of the academy setup in 2021/22.
For many fans, Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Wacker Innsbruck will have been their first opportunity to see Gordon in action – and it is safe to say he impressed.
Kaide Gordon probably Liverpool’s best player in this game. Really exciting talent.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) July 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/LFCRELATED__/status/1417520534536003588
Kaide Gordon has been impressive. Ever positive.
Even when things haven’t come off he’s not let it deter him. Showed some good 1v1 stuff, too.
— Lewis Bower (@LewisBower2021) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon the clear standout in the first game. Leighton Clarkson also with some bright moments.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) July 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/SamueILFC/status/1417522317094178818
Kaide Gordon is going to be some player man, has a lovely first touch, ball never leaves his control afterwards either.
Lovely to watch.
— ?????? (@WilcoFtbl) July 20, 2021
Remember the name Kaide Gordon pic.twitter.com/yQHBppxkcn
— kfiros ?????? (@realKfiros) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon made the biggest impression of the young #LFC players to start v Wacker Innsbruck. His first touch was excellent, took him past his man a couple of times. He's only 16 so isn't time to get carried away, but he looks a natural on the ball who'll get fouled a lot
— Chris Mac (@chrismackop) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon though. ?
— Floyd (@TheFNundy) July 20, 2021
May as well just play Kaide Gordon and never buy another attacker
— Phil Blundell (@PhilBlundell) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon. That's the tweet
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) July 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/cheduardo99/status/1417520350632497154
Nah this kaide gordon is a special talent?
— Z (@Ifc_zak) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon for £1-3m feels like it could become one of those deals you look back at and thank your lucky stars for. Soaring forwards on the ball, with such confidence and 1v1 ability for his mere age of 16. Started with 6G+3A for the U18s and now impressing for the first team.
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) July 20, 2021
Kaide Gordon looks a real baller you know, can't believe Derby let him go so cheap
— Jay (@ScouseCommie) July 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/mxddylfc/status/1417517951922720768
Well, I'm already in love with Kaide Gordon then.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) July 20, 2021
It would be wrong to get carried away with a 30-minute friendly against Austrian second-tier opposition at the start of pre-season, but Gordon is clearly a hugely talented player.
He recently signed his scholarship with Liverpool, as he is unable to agree a professional deal until he turns 17 in October, which highlights how early he is in his fledgling career.
But if he continues to catch the eye in pre-season, the youngster could be given more opportunities to train with the first team when the campaign gets underway proper.
From there, it is all down to him to prove himself to Jurgen Klopp.
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