After a historic 19th league title, Liverpool have started planning for the future already. One of the players that has got the attention of head coach Jurgen Klopp and fans is Billy Koumetio.
Dubbed as “Billy the Kid”, he signed his first professional contract with Merseyside club having played for Orleans FC in 2018.
The France U18 international centre-back played for the Liverpool’ U18s and was also a member of the U-19 UEFA Youth League squad.
Standing at 6’3″, the 17-year-old has made his presence felt in the club’s pre-season campaign. Jurgen who himself was surprised with Billy saying, “Billy the Kid – he doesn’t look like a kid!. His face looks like a kid but then all the rest is ‘wow!’”
Liverpool fans got to see him in action after Liverpool’s senior side were short in centre-back department against Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart where he played alongside first team stars like James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum.
He played just the second half of the game coming on for Sepp van den Berg and he showed the manager what exactly academy staff are so enthusiastic. During the game he attacked the ball, won headers and showed his impressive passing skills throughout the entire half.
From his time at Kirkby everyone there knew what a talented player he is. “He wants to work hard, and that stands out a mile. Everyone loves Billy, he’s just one of those lads. “On the pitch I am competitive, really competitive. Off the pitch, I would say I’m a happy person, always happy. I smile all the time, even if things don’t go very well.” spoke one of the club officials at Kirby.
He also was included in the club’s first team for the Carabao Cup fourth round win over Arsenal, where he was an unused substitute.
Jurgen Klopp has been having one-to-one sessions with the youngster, were they spoke about positioning and tactical understanding of the game. Liverpool like to play the game on front which requires a lot of hard-work and maximum concentration.
Previously when he was on the books with French giants Lyon, he was used as left winger or left-back before moving to middle of defense were he has played ever since. Speaking on transition he said, “I think it was because of my height, but now I’m very happy because I think it’s my position and it’s better for me.”
Billy looks up to his fellow centre-back Virgil Van Djik and training & playing alongside him will definitely give him a lot of experience. He has even admitted of copying him.
Koumetio is expected to join the U-23 team for the start of their campaign and he will be seen in action during various points of Liverpool’s 20-21 season.
