Robbie Fowler believes Ben Woodburn has what it takes to make the grade at Liverpool – but has warned that burgeoning striker will be heavily nurtured.
Woodburn surpassed Michael Owen as the Reds’ youngest-ever goal scorer when he found the net during last week’s EFL Cup quarter final win over Leeds United.
Fowler knows the path between Liverpool’s academy ranks and its first-team well as he went on to become one of the club’s all-time highest goal scorers.
And the former striker, 41, has backed the latest teen sensation to become an Anfield mainstay with the support and protection of manager Jurgen Klopp.
He said: “I’ve seen him play before. He’s a good player. It was a fantastic goal.
“I was watching the game and I thought his movement was very, very good.
“He maybe could have had a few more chances for more goals if his teammates had made the right pass or seen him a bit earlier.
“But you can’t argue with his credentials – he has scored goals at every level he has been at.
“In terms of football, after the Leeds game, he’d probably played 20 minutes of first-team football and he’s got a goal so good luck to him.
“There’s obviously a long way to go but there are so many people – fans and staff at this club – who are right behind him.
“It’s really in his own hands now – he’s a very talented player. I think he’s in good hands.
“He’s playing for a manager who understands how players should be looked after.
“I think he will play him and use him in the right way. He will be sheltered a little bit and quite rightly so.”
Fowler has seen Liverpool’s up-and-coming generation at close quarters after offering guidance to Academy players during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure.
With fellow youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ovie Ejaria joining Woodburn in making their senior debuts, he sees a bright future at Anfield.
“I know Ben Woodburn is the latest one [to get attention] because he’s made his debut but there’s a few very good players there too,” added Fowler.
“In this day and age with social media, everyone knows about all these yong players before they make their debut and probably a lot is expected.
“I think it’s a little bit unfair for me to single out any players. As Liverpool supporters, we probably have a pick of players that you want to see.
“You can be talented in the Academy, but the step-up from the Academy level to first-team level is tremendously high and it’s getting that balance to become not just a bit-part player.
“We want to see players come from the Academy and play many games for Liverpool. That’s the ideal world but it is very tough.”
Robbie Fowler was speaking at the launch of the LFC Foundation’s charity match between Liverpool and Real Madrid Legends at Anfield on March 25, 2017.