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Amara Nallo of Liverpool(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Young Liverpool defender Amara Nallo admits he felt "homesick" during his first season at the club but is now determined to make the step up into Arne Slot's senior squad.

Nallo has been progressing through the ranks at the Academy since being signed from West Ham United in September 2023.

The 18-year-old centre-back featured during the pre-season tour to the United States last summer and made his senior debut in the Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven in January.

Nallo, though, suffered a nightmare when he was dismissed four minutes after coming on as substitute to oust Michael Owen as the youngest player ever to be sent off for Liverpool.

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He has since cemented his position as captain of the under-21s and was skipper in the UEFA Youth League this season and also featured in the EFL Trophy.

And Nallo - who has been on the first-team bench on five other occasions - has revealed the main issue he had to overcome when first arriving two years ago.

"When I came to the Academy, the players were very welcoming," he said.

It just all came to plan.

"In the first season I was homesick but then I got to know that I'm here for a reason and I'm working, so I need to make them proud.

"In the second season I'm very focused and determined and looking forward to what's to come."

Of his target for the next campaign, Nallo added: "Just be regular with the first team and see what we get from there and how far I can push on from there."

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Nallo also outlined why he is determined to make his mark as a centre-back.

"A clean sheet for me is like scoring," he said.

I just feel like defending is my game.

I just like defending.

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"I'd say I'm really calm and composed and just aggressive when it comes to defending."


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