Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn's rise to international prominence
Sunday 19 March 2017 17:53, UK
As Ben Woodburn earns his first call-up to the Wales senior squad, we examine the Liverpool youngster's rise to prominence...
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Chester product Woodburn also qualified to play for England, but his call-up to Chris Coleman's 23-man party for the World Cup Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin later this month has ended speculation about his international future.
Here we take a closer look at his burgeoning career and the high praise that has come his way...
Who is the teenager?
Woodburn was born in Nottingham in 1999 but grew up in Chester and was taken into the club's youth set-up at just six years of age.
After progressing through the Melwood ranks to become a regular with the U23s, Liverpool confirmed last November he had signed a "long-term" contract with the club.
"Ben is in those earlier stages and has a lot of developing to do still - but wow, what an exciting talent he is," boss Jurgen Klopp said at the time.
Why Wales over England?
Woodburn was eligible to play for England, but with a Welsh maternal grandfather, he has instead pledged his future to the Principality.
The striker has represented Wales at U15 and U16 levels, captained them at U17s and scoring against Croatia in the elite round of the European U17 Championships.
Last November the 17-year-old was part of a Wales U19 side which beat their England counterparts 3-2 at Bangor and he has shown himself to be a free-kick specialist for his country.
Having claimed that he wants to "replicate" the achievements in a Welsh shirt of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, Woodburn may now get the chance to play alongside those two for the seniors.
How is his club career progressing?
Klopp brought Woodburn into the first-team fold during pre-season last summer, with the player responding by netting in a friendly against Wigan Athletic.
But his landmark moment came in November when he became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history after turning the ball home in the EFL Cup quarter-final win over Leeds
.At just 17 years and 45 days old, the Welshman - who had made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Sunderland only three days earlier - eclipsed Michael Owen's record and sparked wild celebrations in the Kop.
In the intervening period, the frontman has started three FA Cup ties and made a handful of appearances from the bench in the Premier League - including against Burnley last time out - but his Wales call for a vital fixture marks the start of a new chapter in his flourishing career.
What is his best position?
The versatile Woodburn can play in a variety of positions across the frontline, as well as an attacking midfielder.
And as he showed against Leeds at Anfield in November, if given half a chance, he is lethal in front of goal.
Not only that, but the pacy youngster has also demonstrated his set-piece prowess while representing Wales at various age levels.
What they say…
"I am really happy with him, the only problem is I am a little afraid about you (the press). We know how to handle the situation." (Jurgen Klopp)
"He is a very good player and has a very good future. I hope he will keep going and working hard and I think he will be a great player." (Sadio Mane)
"Whatever that lad does in his career, he'll never forget that moment. The roar of the crowd as he's running away." (Jamie Carragher on Woodburn's goals vs Leeds)
"Ben can be a success - and that's based on his mentality. I remember one of the first meetings I had with Ben and his eyes nearly burnt into me, that's how intense he was in terms of listening and taking on advice and asking questions about where we thought he can improve as a player." (former U23 coach Michael Beale)
"He's earned this, he's done very well. This is one of the biggest games in this campaign, this is not a time to experiment. Everyone has earned their place." (Chris Coleman)
