Liverpool: Could this be the man to ease Jurgen Klopp's attacking injury crisis?

Liverpool’s academy squad numbers will have been licking their lips at the prospect of Jurgen Klopp taking the Anfield reins.

 

While Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers had overseen the development and emergence of Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe, the German built a reputation as one of the finest managers for nurturing young talent in Europe while with Borussia Dortmund. Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze are testament to that and Ibe, for one, has spoken of his desire to emulate Lewandowski’s achievements under Klopp’s guidance.

Klopp appears to have already identified who he has earmarked as one for the future. When asked before Sunday’s win over Swansea about the continued frustration over Daniel Sturridge’s fitness problems, he said:

"It’s not the most difficult situation at this moment with the strikers. We have Christian [Benteke], Divock [Origi], and Roberto [Firmino]. And if they can’t play, we have a young lad, for sure, [Jerome] Sinclair from the U21s who can play."

Sinclair’s singling out will be a huge boost to the young striker. From reportedly snubbing a new deal in the summer and seemingly following Sterling out of the Anfield exit door, the 19-year-old could now be on the brink of first-team recognition. Divock Origi’s struggles, in the regular absence of Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, may provide Sinclair with a chance to shine.

At 16, Sinclair became the youngest senior player in the club’s history when he made a substitute appearance against West Brom in the League Cup in 2012. Since then he has become an integral part of the club’s U21 side, plundering 20 goals last season either side of a brief loan spell with Wigan in the Championship.
 He was rewarded for this form by Rodgers, who saw fit to introduce him into the first-team fold at the end of last season with cameo appearances against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Sinclair also revealed he has learnt a lot from Anfield legend Robbie Fowler, who has been sharing some words of wisdom with the youngster.

"Robbie is a legend at this club so to get a few helpful tips from him and some advice is brilliant for me," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"This is a guy who has been there and done it and played at the pinnacle of the game. It’s fantastic for me to get the chance to work with him and it can only improve my game.

"He has given me a few little tips on my first touch, and worked with me on different types of finishing. He is always there to help me in any way he can."

Fowler’s tutelage, combined with Klopp’s vivacity, is a recipe for success. Add Liverpool’s ongoing injury crisis in the attacking department and it suggests an opportunity for Sinclair may not be too far away. Southampton in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night could well be the perfect platform.