Teenage left-back Sam McCallum may have only played 28 times for Coventry City but already he has gained the interest of several top flight clubs and most intriguingly Liverpool as they seek a quality back-up to Andy Robertson.
Recent reports have claimed the Reds’ interest could be short-lived though, with U23s coach Neil Critchley giving his personal endorsement to Anfield youngster Tony Gallacher.
So would Liverpool be wise or foolish to pass on the Football League prodigy? Maybe the opinions of those who know him best can shed some light…
Chris Badlan, Coventry City’s Head of Recruitment
McCallum’s first team debut in November 2018 was a proud evening for Badlan whose remit due to the club’s limited funds is to focus on young talent. Here he looks back on when he first became aware of the Canterbury-born defender, who immediately reminded him of Norwich City’s Jamal Lewis – a 21-year-old who has gone on to make 13 Premier League appearances this season and pick up 12 caps for Northern Ireland.
As per Coventry Telegraph:
“He’s a left-back and everyone is after left-backs and having been at Norwich previously as soon as I saw Sam he reminded me of Jamal Lewis. I looked at him and thought, blimey, he’s 6ft and unbelievably athletic and I wondered who this kid was. Then I started watching him play football and thought that he not only looks like Jamal Lewis but he plays like him as well.”
“We got him in for training and he was outstanding in that as well and you think you have got a real gem here.”
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Jason Farndon, Coventry City under 23 development coach
Fast-tracked through the under 18s, McCallum soon found himself under the charge of Farndon despite being several years younger than many of his colleagues. Farndon was quick to recognise his enormous potential and the ease in which he moved up a level. As per Coventry Telegraph:
“He’s an exciting prospect and he’s still an Under-18 but he’s playing in Under-23s games like he’s always played in there. He’s been a pleasure to coach and is really growing in every training session.”
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Mark Robins, Coventry City manager
The former Manchester United striker has been in the game long enough to know a few things for sure, namely that talent always finds its way to the top and ultimately money talks. When asked recently for the umpteenth time about the future of his prodigy his answer is revealing. As per Leicester Mercury:
“He’s a really good player – but if anyone wants to take him it’s going to cost a hell of a lot of money. It anyone is going to take him it’s going to have to be a top Premier League team.”
Verdict
Liverpool wanting to promote one of their own is more than understandable – just look at how well it’s worked out for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite side of the defence. But the general consensus is that McCallum’s destined for big things and if Liverpool don’t snap him up, it seems likely he’ll end up facing them on behalf of a Premier League rival at some point in the future. The old phrase of keeping dangers looking out the camp rather than into it certainly comes to mind.