Ryan Kent: Hard work and talent wins him a new deal at Anfield
By Roy Skillen
Ryan Kent signed a new five year contract this week. It is a fine reward for a player whose hard work and talent have impressed Jurgen Klopp.
While the likes of Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander Arnold and Harry Wilson were stealing all of the headlines last season winger, Ryan Kent, was busy working his backside off with Championship side Barnsley in the hope of improving himself as player and a person. Kent was once seen as another Liverpool graduate destined for a decent career in the lower leagues after a short spell with Coventry City and just one senior appearance with the reds.
Yet, since joining Liverpool as a 7-year-old he has never lost sight of his dream; to play regularly in front of the Anfield faithful. He was recently rewarded with new a five-year deal after impressing boss Jurgen Klopp during the recent preseason campaign.
Upon arrival at Anfield, Klopp slammed the English loan system. He even recalled Kent from his proposed year long spell at Coventry. But after seeing how the youngster has improved from playing regular competitive football the German has changed his stance. Klopp praised Kent in a recent article:
"“He’s still a young boy, so that’s good for him, it’s good for us. He looked much more mature in pre-season than he was a year ago. I’ve spoken a few times about how I’m not the president of the supporters’ club for loaning players, giving them to other clubs, especially at a very young age. I don’t think it will always work, but obviously he really took the benefit of it. It looked completely different, it was a really good pre-season for Ryan, so I’m happy that he’s signed a new contract.”"
Kent was seen as one of the shining lights in an otherwise depressing mid table finish for Barnsley. He picked up the club’s young player-of-the-year award thanks to his pacy, skillful performances, and a rather special goal against rivals Leeds Utd. His rise and subsequent contract extension has been a surprise to many reds fans. For the man himself it’s just reward for the non-stop hard work.
‘It’s pay off for all the hard work that’s been put in over the last few years. It’s a big achievement for me, my mum, my dad, my family and friends that have been with me throughout this big journey,” he told the clubs official website.
Reports suggest that the 20-year-old could be destined for another loan spell this season. Leeds Utd and Hull City are reportedly in for his services. But the Reds inactivity in the transfer market and Kent’s impressive preseason form have many hoping he hangs around to help Liverpool push for glory this season.