Talk about a dream debut! Jordan Rossiter was handed his first start last night in Liverpool’s Capital One Cup clash with Middlesbrough and after just 10 minutes he was on the scoresheet. The 17-year-old became the Reds’ second youngest goalscorer behind Michael Owen – not bad for a defensive midfielder – and really announced himself at Anfield.
With Steven Gerrard’s legs no longer able to carry him through two games a week for a whole season, Rossiter may well get more chances under Brendan Rodgers, so we could be seeing more of his composure in the Liverpool engine room in the coming months.
Here are SIX things you may not know about the teenager…
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CLICK ON ROSSITER TO REVEAL THE SIX
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It could be worse Nando, you could be one of these guys…
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He was just 18 months old when Gerrard made his Liverpool debut
Born on the 24 March 1997 (feel old now?), young Rossiter was barely able to walk when Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool debut. The now captain stepped out for his first showing in November 1998, meaning his potential successor was just about 18 months old at the time.
He’s been a Liverpool player since the age of six
After impressing for his school team at a young, young age, Rossiter was picked up by the Liverpool academy at just six. There must be some pretty decent scouts at the club to notice his potential at such a junior level. Rossiter has since moved through the ranks and made his debut for the U18s on his 15th birthday. The 17-year-old spent much of last season playing for the club’s U-21 team. The video shows his being interviewed after representing a youth side, he’s a cheeky chappy!
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Fowler & Carra have already called him the ‘new Gerrard’
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Big shoes to fill. With his position (central midfield), his scouse heritage, and that famous short hair-do Gerrard had when he broke into the first-team, there have been natural comparisons with the now Kop skipper.
Carragher: “Jordan Rossiter has trained with us a few times. I like the look of him. He’s got a bit of character and steel that me and Stevie have had – When he was 15 he was playing for the U18s, which is a tremendous accolade for the lad. He’s a great talent.”
The two Anfield greats know what it takes to be a local lad in the Liverpool team, so their glowing endorsements of Rossiter speak volumes. The starlet is composed on the ball, can find space and knows how to pick out a ball. Such abilities are all hallmarks of Stevie G, making this fella an exciting prospect.
Fowler and Carra were excited for him last night, too:
He made the bench twice last season under Rodgers
Although many saw his inclusion in the XI last night as a bolt out of the blue, Rossiter has been around the first-team for a while. He was on the bench against Chelsea and Hull last term, and also played during the pre-season friendly with Preston this summer.
Coldplay are one of his fave’s
We won’t hold it against you, Jordan. He also enjoys dance music and TV shows such as Entourage and Prison Break.
Liverpool’s U-21 boss is backing him for the first-team
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Liverpool’s U-21 coach Alex Inglethorpe ahs worked closely with Rossiter over the course of the past few years, and he has given the midfielder a glowing report ahead of his almost guaranteed step up to the first-team:
“I think the biggest compliment I can pay Jordan is that he was exactly the same when he came back to the U21 squad,
“That’s where he sets his standards every day and it is easy for him to go to Melwood because that’s how he trains all the time.
“He doesn’t necessarily have to look to up his game because he always shows 100% effort and commitment.
“He’s getting better all the time. He’s a pleasure to work with and is someone who dedicates himself and works ever so hard. He listens and learns and I don’t think there will be many first-year scholars who play a full season in the under-21s. That is some achievement.”
