'Very talented' youngster announced himself as one to watch for Liverpool move after heroics last night - opinion
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Liverpool fans will have enjoyed the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night as Manchester United were dumped out by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
The fact United were even eligible to enter into the second round in itself will have amused Reds’ fans, but to see them lose against Grimsby was the icing on the cake.
Liverpool will now enter the competition with one of their big rivals for the trophy already out of the picture.
While most eyes were focused on the misery of Ruben Amorim, however, some will have noted that a former rumoured Liverpool target was tearing up the round in another fixture.
Having come on for his Brighton debut after 66 minutes of their clash against Oxford United, Stefanos Tzimas quickly buried two goals in just six minutes.
Liverpool were linked with Tzimas during the January transfer window before he ultimately joined Brighton.
But after getting an early glimpse of his quality, the Reds may be back to the table in the future.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
There were some raised eyebrows among the fanbase when reports of Liverpool’s interest in Tzimas hit the news last winter.
The 19-year-old was playing for FC Nurnberg at the time, and the German second division is not where Liverpool often do a lot of their shopping.
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Nevertheless, having scored 10 goals in 18 games for Nurnberg, it was clear that Tzimas had something special.
Brighton have been better than most at recognising when young players are ready to make the step up, and with the Seagulls seeing fit to spend a reported £20.8m on Tzimas, it is clear he has something special.
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Just eight minutes into his debut, the teenager confirmed that in spectacular fashion in Oxford on Wednesday evening.
Tzimas took both of his goals exceptionally well, and with Liverpool needing a striker this summer, it begs the question why the Reds did not push a little harder for the Greek.
His price will no doubt continue rising if he plays well for Brighton, but if he keeps performing in this manner, Liverpool will certainly be watching with interest.
Clearly, the reason Liverpool did not go in for a young striker like Tzimas when he was available is because they had their eye on a big move for Alexander Isak this summer.
There remains a chance Isak signs before Monday’s deadline, but the chances of that happening appear to be growing slimmer.
If the Swede does not swap St James’ Park for Anfield, Liverpool will have left themselves short in attack.
Bringing in a young player like Tzimas to rotate with Hugo Ekitike could have solved that issue.
Even if Isak did arrive, perhaps a loan move or a year of adapting could have benefited both Liverpool and the player.
Tzimas was described as ‘very talented‘ upon joining Brighton in the winter window.
The Seagulls are seeing that in full effect already, but Liverpool will no doubt continue to lurk.