The best No.94 in Liverpool history? Certainly.
Admittedly, Melkamu Frauendorf is also the only player to have worn No.94 for the Reds, but his full debut for the club shed some light on why he has been tipped for a very bright future at Anfield. The 18-year-old was one of many academy prospects to start Wednesday night's penalty-shootout victory over Derby County and grasped the opportunity with both hands.
A natural central midfielder, Frauendorf is able to operate in many roles and Jurgen Klopp deployed him on the right wing against the League One side. After a quiet opening 20 minutes, the teenager began to make an impact, combining well with Calvin Ramsay and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool focussed their attacks on the flanks as the first half wore on.
Frauendorf, who was born in Ethiopia and has captained Germany at youth level, showed a blend of work rate and technical ability to support Ramsay when required and fashion a number of chances with his crossing. He also showcased his ability to ghost into the box in the second half as he got on the end of a pass from Kostas Tsimikas to head back across goal, forcing Derby to clear, before he was taken off in the 66th minute.
The youngster was making his second senior appearance for Liverpool, after coming off the bench against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup last season, as he continues to ply his trade with the youth teams. He has been unleashed in almost every midfield and attacking role for the Under-21s and Under-19s this season, chipping in with three goals and six assists in 17 appearances.
His rise up the ranks will come as no surprise to some of those who have been keeping a close eye on his progress. In fact, Frauendorf even drew comparisons to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard last year.
Were you impressed by Melkamu Frauendorf's full debut for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments!
"He reminded me of Frank Lampard," a scout for a rival Premier League club told the Liverpool Echo while watching a Liverpool Under-18 fixture in early 2021. "You take your eye off him for one moment, and then he'll appear in the box or in a dangerous area. You have to watch him closely, but he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile."
Frauendorf will hope for further first-team opportunities in the domestic cup competitions this season, which may well come his way during the earlier rounds. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup will take place just before Christmas, following the conclusion of the World Cup, while Liverpool will begin their defence of the FA Cup when they enter at the third round in early January.
