Liverpool forwards benefit from positional change as manager makes 'brilliant' admission

We might only be at the October international break, but Mateusz Musialowski has already produced his best scoring return since being promoted to Liverpool’s Under-21s side.

The winger has been turned into more of a central attacking option this calendar year, and produced both a goal and an assist in the young Reds’ 5-2 defeat to Blackpool in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

Having also scored in Morecambe in Liverpool’s first ever win in the tournament last month, the 19-year-old now has four goals and two assists from seven appearances in all competitions this season.

Out of contract next year, the forward was linked with a move away from the Reds last summer, only for an Anfield exit not to materialise despite interest from both Poland and Austria. But rather than be distracted by speculation about his future, Musialowski has stepped up on the pitch - much to the delight of Liverpool coaches.

Mateusz Musialowski could give Liverpool difficult transfer decision as new gem unearthed

Mateusz Musialowski and two others excellent as Liverpool fight out seven-goal thriller with Blackpool

“He’s been brilliant. This season, in terms of his level of consistency, without question it has risen,” Under-21s coach Barry Lewtas told reporters after the young Reds’ loss to Blackpool. “He’s taking more responsibility for his all-round game and he commits to every phase of the game now.

“Defensively he’s strong and buying in. No-one can doubt his ability to dribble the ball, he can dribble past most, but he is finding a real consistency in his game.”

With Musialowski transformed to centre-forward, Paul Glatzel has been utilised more on the wings following his return from long-term injury. It hasn't stopped him from scoring goals