Liverpool academy midfielder Tom Hill has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old is a promising box-to-box midfielder who has starred for Liverpool’s U18 team.
Tom Hill is Liverpool’s Latest Academy Starlet
Youth Career
Formby native Tom Hill has been at Liverpool since the age of five. The youngster has progressed through the club’s youth ranks, but he really caught the eye while playing for the U18s.
He only made his U18 debut six months ago against Blackburn Rovers. Hill marked the occasion in style by scoring two goals. A versatile player, he can either operate in midfield, at right-back or as a central striker. Hill has been mightily impressive for the U18s, scoring six goals in just nine games.
That type of form led to a step up to the U23s, where he has continued to dominate his competition. The midfielder has wreaked havoc with his forward runs this season and has scored eight goals at this level.
His best moment came in the UEFA Youth League. Hill came off the bench in that game to score in Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 win over French club Paris Saint-Germain.
However, there is one game in a Liverpool shirt that Hill is likely to never forget.
Senior Debut for Tom Hill
It’s a moment that all academy players dream of, but so few get to experience.
The Reds were forced to play a weakened team in the Carabao Cup due to Club World Cup commitments. This meant a debut for Hill, who showed his versatility by playing left wing.
However, the young man failed to impress as he didn’t even register a single shot and only had one dribble in the whole game. The player on the other side, Harvey Elliot, took all the spotlight and grasped his chance.
Despite the result, Hill seemed upbeat after the game.
“It meant everything. It’s everything I have been working hard for but I didn’t expect it to happen,” Hill told the club’s official website. “My family were proud and it was just an amazing experience. I saw them after the game and it was the perfect Christmas present.
“I don’t think the 5-0 scoreline was the true reflection of the game, we worked hard and I thought we deserved more from it.”
If Hill wants to succeed in Liverpool, this type of positive mentality will be key.
Place at Anfield for Tom Hill?
While Hill undoubtedly has talent, it may be hard for him to break through at Anfield. Both Curtis Jones and the aforementioned Elliot play in similar positions and have impressed this season.
When those players have had their chance, they’ve taken it. Jones has scored a world-class goal against Everton in the FA Cup, while Elliot has been Liverpool’s man-of-the-match in at least two Carabao Cup games.
Tom Hill has simply failed to grab his opportunity in such a manner. But, all is not lost, the midfielder is only 17 and still has plenty of time to impress Jurgen Klopp.
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