Kaide Gordon: What Has Happened with Liverpool’s Promising Star?
In football, the emergence of young talents onto the grand stage is a sight to behold. The anticipation and excitement that surround these budding stars are often palpable, and one such prospect who garnered significant attention was Kaide Gordon.
After signing from Derby County in February 2021, Gordon would go on to make his debut for Jürgen Klopp just seven months later in the Carabao Cup against Norwich. A clear sign of how much the German rated the then 16-year-old.
Just a few months on, he was given the nod once more—this time in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury. With Mohamed Salah at AFCON, it was a real shot for Gordon to take the chance to become a potential backup for the Egyptian, and he took the opportunity with both hands. The right-sided attacker scored his first goal for The Reds in the 34th minute as he drew the game level at 1-1. In the process, he became the club’s second-youngest scorer of all time and their youngest FA Cup goalscorer. It was an incredibly well-taken goal right in front of The Kop.
Now, it has been two years since the young winger stepped foot onto the pitch as a Liverpool first-teamer, but ever since, the hype has not been close to the same. The English youngster has been noticeably missing from the Merseyside club’s squad, and here is why.
What Happened to Kaide Gordon at Liverpool?
After scoring his first goal for the club, Kaide Gordon had been absent from the first team for an extended period. This absence was due to a severe pelvic injury he suffered in February 2022, which kept him out of action for more than 19 months.
However, there is good news regarding the promising young attacker. He made his comeback on September 3, 2023, featuring for just 16 minutes as a substitute in a Premier League 2 match against Middlesborough. Subsequently, he played 30 minutes against Leeds United U21s a couple of weeks later.
More recently, Gordon was appointed as the captain of Liverpool’s U21 team and played a solid 60 minutes in a match against Barrow in the EFL Trophy. These recent developments suggest that he remains highly regarded within the club.
What Is Next For Kaide Gordon?
In the quest to secure a place in Liverpool’s first team once again, Kaide Gordon faces a formidable challenge. The front line of the club is brimming with talent, including star players like Salah, Jota, Gakpo, Núñez, and Díaz. This crowded field makes it a daunting prospect for any young player to make a breakthrough.
However, as history has shown with Ben Doak’s remarkable journey, the challenge, while difficult, is not insurmountable, though Gordon may face more competition with the emergence of the young Scotsman.
Gordon, after a 19-month hiatus from the pitch, needs to focus on regaining match sharpness and securing valuable playing time. The Englishman must set realistic expectations and understand that a return to Klopp’s plans might still be a distant goal.
The absence of Mohamed Salah during the January 2024 AFCON opens up a potential window of opportunity for academy prospects in the FA Cup. Gordon might find himself with more playing time, either in the Starting XI or as a substitute. Until then, he must patiently await his chance to shine.
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