Genius Richard Hughes deal pays off for MAGNIFICENT academy jewel

Liverpool have been experts at using the loan system in recent seasons. We’ve seen players like Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah excel on temporary spells away from the club before establishing themselves as Premier League title winners.

There is always a clutch of Liverpool talents out on loan - either further down the English league pyramid or elsewhere.

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This season Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas are among the highest profile names out on loan but there are certainly a few more worth keeping an eye on.

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One such player is Luca Stephenson. Last season the former Sunderland youth was sent out on loan to Dundee United - winning the Tangerines’ player of the year award.

Stephenson scores twice for Dundee United

The versatile midfielder returned to Liverpool over the summer following his loan spell with his future very much up in the air.

However, Stephenson took the opportunity to impress Arne Slot during preseason - featuring with the first team on the Asian tour.

Since then Stephenson has gone from strength to strength - signing a new long-term deal with Liverpool and enjoying another loan spell with Dundee United.

Last weekend Stephenson - playing at wing-back - scored TWICE for his side during an exciting 3-3 SPFL draw with Hibernian.

MAGNIFICENT Stephenson shines against Hibs

"The marauding wingback was magnificent against Hibs, converting a clinical header in the first half before slamming home a first-time finish in front of the delirious travelling fans after the break,” a report in the Courier states.

The 21-year-old has got a new record in his sights for the season ahead - and one which he is already on the way to surpassing.

“If I can beat last year’s target – three goals, three assists – I’d be made up with that,” he said.

Stephenson provided one assist in the 2-0 defeat of local rivals Dundee FC - and followed it up with his two-goal salvo over the weekend. It’s been a terrific spell for Stephenson - who is earning rave reviews north of the border.

And who knows? Maybe he will come back once again to Anfield and make a place in the first-team squad his own. Otherwise, considering his age, form and contract status, Stephenson could earn the club a decent fee in the transfer market.

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