UEFA.com's weekly wonderkid: Ben Woodburn

Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer, Ben Woodburn took another big career step this week when he joined up with the Wales squad for the first time ahead of Friday's European Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

Name: Ben Woodburn
Club: Liverpool
Debut: 26 November 2016 v Sunderland (Premier League)
Position: forward
Nationality: Welsh
Date of birth: 15 October 1999
Preferred foot: right
Height: 174 cm 

They say ...
"I was excited to see Ben make his debut having watched him a lot. He is a very good player. You can't argue with his credentials as he has scored goals at every level he's been at."
Robbie Fowler, former Liverpool and England striker

"He's done some good things at Liverpool in the Premier League and he's in the squad on merit. Technically he's very good, and he's performing for one of the biggest clubs."
Chris Coleman, Wales manager

Ben Woodburn in FA Cup action for Liverpool©AFP

"Attacking players who have gone on to have great careers at Liverpool always make an impact early on. To score at the Kop end – whatever that lad does in his career – he'll never, ever forget that moment."
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool and England defender

Background ...
Nottingham-born and raised in Cheshire, Ben Woodburn has been at Liverpool since he was 7. He was highlighted as a potential future star from an early age – before making his first-team debut as a late substitute in November. Woodburn qualifies for Wales through a grandparent and has been part of the international set-up from the age of 13, featuring at every level up to Under-19. 

Playing style ...
Naturally offensive in his play, Woodburn can operate across the front line, being equally effective through the middle or on either wing. As well as his pace and strength, the 17-year-old also boasts the technical ability to play in a slightly deeper and more creative position. His versatility has made him a squad regular for Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

Ben Woodburn is Liverpool's youngest ever scorer©AFP

Shades of ...
Given his ability to perform in a range of roles, Woodburn has been likened to a number of players, including creative midfielders such as Aaron Ramsey. Of course, his elevation through the Liverpool ranks brings inevitable comparisons to Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler. 

Eureka moment ...
Three days after making his senior debut for Liverpool, the teenager came off the bench against Leeds United in the English League Cup and scored with a composed right-footed volley from close range. At 17 years and 45 days, Woodburn thus became Liverpool's youngest ever marksman, beating Owen's record by 98 days. 

Best-case scenario ...
Having caught the eye of Wales boss Chris Coleman, Woodburn will now want to focus on getting more Premier League minutes and grasping every opportunity for both club and country. Given his talent, there should be plenty of those. 

He says ...
"Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are world class and I want to replicate what they do."