Liam Millar: Is talented young Liverpool forward an astute piece of business for Sunderland?

As noted on the site earlier this week, it would appear that Liverpool forward Liam Millar is set to sign for Sunderland ahead of next season. The Canada international will likely link up with the club’s U23s before attempting to force his way into the club’s senior squad.

Aside from a few video clips, including an absolute belter of a goal linked below, none of us at Roker Report really knew much about the young attacker in question, so we asked Jack Lusby of This is Anfield to share his thoughts on Millar and whether he’s a good addition to a team eager to develop talent moving forward.

RR: So - Liam Millar. What do you know about him?

JL: He’s been one of the more interesting players in the Liverpool academy over the past two seasons, in my opinion. He joined from Fulham in 2016 as a raw, talented striker - scoring a hat-trick on his competitive debut for the U18s - and they had developed his game significantly.

Midway through last season he moved up to the U23s and was called up to the Canada senior squad in March, earning Man of the Match on his first appearance.

He’s clearly a big talent, who along with his family made a bold decision moving to England in the first place, and I’m intrigued to see what’s next for him.

RR: Why do you think he’s being allowed to leave Liverpool? On the surface it looks like he’s got a lot about him.

JL: I’d say, if he does leave, it’ll be because he’s simply facing too much competition at Liverpool. Whether he’s playing on the wing or up front there’s two or three youngsters potentially ahead of him in the club’s plans.

Rhian Brewster’s promotion to the first-team setup this season could be seen as either inspiration or a roadblock for other players in his position - particularly as Millar is six months older than him.

RR: It appears that he’ll start initially as part of the U23s squad before eventually progressing into the senior side. Is he ready for League One football yet?

JL: It’s difficult to tell, but considering he was playing for the U18s as little as six months ago I’d say it’s a bit of a stretch at the moment.

RR: What do you think he’s capable of achieving? He’s still very young, of course...

JL: He’s got vast potential, and the way he developed his game under Steven Gerrard last season - particularly in keeping his head up on the ball and persevering off it - suggests he can realise that.

It’s hard to project the future for young players as things can change by the month, but I’m a big fan of Millar’s.

RR: What would you say his greatest strengths are?

JL: His finishing is stellar, and his movement on and off the ball make him an excellent option up front or out wide. He can beat a man with ease and has a variety of finishes in his armoury.

RR: And weaknesses - I know he still has time to improve, but where do you think the shortcomings in his game are?

JL: He’s bulking up physically, and his pressing game improved under Gerrard, but that can always be refined. Otherwise, I’d say ensuring he stands out; he needs to perform to a consistently high level to ensure he reaches his ceiling as a player.

Many thanks to Jack and This is Anfield for the insight - it’s a cracking fanzine and well worth a read for all Reds and football fans alike.

Stay tuned for more news on transfer incomings and outgoings here at Roker Report!

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