After his four goal haul today for Liverpool Under 23’s against Bristol City, does Danny Ings have a future at Liverpool?
Oh Danny Ings… his career with Liverpool is such a conundrum. Once upon a time the 25-year-old was a regular first team performer. He had a great spell playing in the senior squad, influencing the forwards and bagging himself some great goals.
But injury has plagued the striker since his Burnley days. After suffering a blow to both knees as a Claret, Ings damaged his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in a Liverpool shirt in 2015. He was ruled out for the entire season and Liverpool definitely noticed a Danny Ings shaped hole in the team.
Just when he returned fit and healthy, Ings suffered yet another knee injury just two months into the 2016/17 season. The Number 28 was predicted nine months of recovery time to endure. A year on and he still hasn’t returned to the Premier League.
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Strong or fragile?
It’s painful to see Ings’ performances ignite during games with the U23 squad. His double brace today against Bristol City showcases just how talented the forward is. But put him in the senior team and he quite literally falls to pieces.
Two major injuries in two years, and two seasons on the sidelines – that’s no life for a footballer as influential as Ings.
During his most recent recovery there was talks of the 25-year-old calling in an early retirement. His consistent injury woes just can’t be worth it, can they?
The main man himself seems to think so. His performances alongside his U23 teammates are always 110% – he never holds back despite the next horror show potentially round the next corner.
Deliberating Danny
Roberto Firmino is doing a stand up job as Klopp’s first choice striker. Daniel Sturridge and Dominic Solanke are both on-hand, game changing substitutes as well. If Ings was to make a return to the Premier League side, he would be fighting a hard battle to clinch some game time.
But someone of his calibre doesn’t deserve to waste away in the reserves. So what’s Klopp to do?
Maybe it’s time the lad moved on from Anfield and sought out his next big adventure. The fans love him at Liverpool, but it seems like his time has finally fizzled out.
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But Gareth Southgate needs to be taking notes on his performances. An England call up might just be what Ings needs to gain some confidence and catch up on all those months out of action.
What do you think, Reds? Is it best we let the beloved striker go or do we tie him down as long as possible?