Liverpool U21s coach Barry Lewtas has expressed his admiration for midfielder Dominic Corness and hinted that the 21-year-old could stay with the squad for the foreseeable future. Corness recently returned to the U21s after a loan spell in Switzerland last season and made an immediate impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist in their 3-1 victory over Manchester City.
Despite his age, it was expected that Corness would leave Liverpool again this summer, either on loan or permanently. However, Lewtas spoke highly of Corness in an interview with the club’s official website, suggesting that he could serve as a valuable “coach on the pitch.”
Lewtas praised Corness for his successful loan spell last year and acknowledged that his return has brought some much-needed experience to the U21s squad. In U21s football, the first half of the season can be a time of uncertainty, with players coming and going. Corness’s presence provides stability and support for the younger players, as well as assisting Lewtas in his coaching duties. Lewtas emphasized that having players with a deep understanding of the game, like Corness, can make a significant difference.
Interestingly, Corness is not the only 21-year-old making an impact in the U21s squad. James Norris and Tom Hill also scored in the victory over Manchester City. This is unusual for Liverpool’s academy side, which is typically made up of talented teenagers. However, due to several players likely to leave Anfield this summer, the trio may serve as leaders in an otherwise youthful squad.
Lewtas commended the older players for their contributions and noted that their seniority and guidance were crucial to the team’s performance against Manchester City. While the younger players were impressive, the experience and leadership of Corness, Norris, and Hill were invaluable.
Liverpool’s U21s may face a shortage of options in midfield, with several players potentially leaving the club. The £10 million bid from Salzburg for Bobby Clark has already been accepted, and players like Ben Doak, Tyler Morton, Rhys Williams, and Harvey Blair are available for permanent transfers. Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic and James McConnell could leave on loan, and Trey Nyoni is expected to feature regularly in the first team. In this context, retaining Corness as a “coach on the pitch” until January could provide Liverpool with a viable solution.
Overall, Lewtas’s praise for Corness and the impact he has made on the U21s squad suggests that the midfielder may have a future at Liverpool. His experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset, particularly in a squad that may undergo significant changes in the coming months. By keeping Corness as a key figure in the U21s, Liverpool can benefit from his on-field coaching and mentorship, ensuring the continued development and success of their talented young players.