Tyler Morton outlines Liverpool maturity as Sheffield United eye January move for England U21 star as Oliver Arblaster replacement.
Sheffield United are considering a January move for Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton as a potential replacement for the injured Oliver Arblaster, with the highly rated 22-year-old already highlighting the progress he has made after two loan spells in the Championship and half a season under new Reds manager Arne Slot. Morton has previously played in the division with Blackburn Rovers and Hull City.
However, he remained at Anfield for the first half of this season as Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp, despite only appearing three times this season – twice in the League Cup and once for the U21s in a Football League Trophy shoot-out victory over Blackpool. He has watched from the bench as Slot’s team won seismic victory over Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League and Premier League, respectively, in the last week, with the Reds now nine points ahead at the top of the table.
However, the Anfield management may deem another loan advantageous to the youngster’s development, as United are now short-handed in midfield with Arblaster’s ruptured ACL, which likely ended his season. Crucially, the Blades have a solid reputation among top-flight teams for watching after and developing talented young players, with Morton admitting earlier this season that Slot’s influence has already made him a more complete player.
“The manager has come in and tactically stamped his authority hugely,” Morton told me. “To be a Liverpool footballer, you must be able to perform a variety of things. I’ve been learning both positions, the six and the eight. The manager has significantly improved my game, and he is assisting in my development in scenarios that I would not have had the opportunity to be in when I was only playing the six role.”
Morton appeared in 46 games in all categories during his first senior loan at Blackburn, including a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final against United at Bramall Lane, and then 41 games for Hull City in the Championship last season. Morton, known for his ball retention qualities, demonstrated his flexibility on loan at United’s East Yorkshire neighbours and is eager to continue his development, whether at Anfield or on another loan.
“I’ve found it tough at times sitting on the bench or not being on the bench,” he added, “but I feel like my head is completely screwed on. I am happy of my accomplishments thus far, but I rarely reflect on the past. “I’m considering my next steps, and this club offers opportunities for serious progress.”I enjoy healthy competition, and it is more than healthy here. As one of the world’s largest clubs, there are some amazing footballers, and it’s a pleasure to be here. I train daily to be ready for a call-up and whatever may come my way.I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and appreciative to everyone who has supported me along the way. It’s incredible to believe that I’ve been active in professional football for three years already. I’m much more mature now than I was in that Norwich game in 2021, both football-wise and personally. Playing games with Liverpool [in 2021-22] boosted my confidence and put me in the spotlight, allowing me to go on loan to Blackburn and Hull, both of which were really positive experiences for me.
“I believe I obtained the necessary experience to return to Liverpool and reach my current position. It has obviously helped me a lot, and I’m grateful to everyone who wanted me to succeed and be in this position. It’s been the best few years of my life, and long may it last.”
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