Levante manager gives verdict on Ifeanyi Ndukwe as Liverpool loanee finally debuts vs Barcelona

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Nevertheless, work permit issues meant that Ndukwe had to go out on loan, with Levante chosen as the best place for his development.Though it has been reported that the Austrian needs to play only once to secure enough points to play for Liverpool, it has been frustrating to see him rooted to the bench for the Spanish side’s first four games of the season. Ultimately, they lost 4-2, and manager Luis Castro was asked for his thoughts on Ndukwe during his post-match interview.Levante boss happy with Ndukwe after debutThere have been some early rumblings that Liverpool could look to bring Ndukwe back from his loan during the January transfer window.Stuck behind Aissa Mandi and Adrian De La Fuente, it was starting to look as though the 18-year-old would not get a look in.

Nevertheless, when asked about he and fellow debutant Petar Rakow, Castro admitted that he was happy with the Liverpool youngster.READ MORE: Liverpool fans tell Andoni Iraola how to solve their midfield problems with one movePhoto by Francis González/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images“They’ve been playing well, but I think they’ll improve,” he said. Ndukwe has come in well.

We’re gaining more players, and I think it’s important for the future to have more options.”What were Ndukwe’s stats vs Barcelona?Though Castro is seemingly happy with Ndukwe – and it should be remembered that this was only his second ever senior appearance – the stats suggest that it was a slightly tough 20-minute showing for him.The mistake for Adeyemi’s goal was unlucky, and he will learn not to slide in so rashly in the future, but he also completed just six of his 10 attempted passes, zero of his two attempted long passes, won one out of four ground and aerial duels and was dribbled past once.Against a Barcelona side who have started the season in sparkling form, this was obviously a difficult assignment for Ndukwe.The hope will be that Castro stands by his positive words in him, and gives him more game time in the weeks to come. In the meantime, though, if reports are to be believed, then Ndukwe is now eligible to come home and play for Liverpool at the nearest opportunity.