Brilliant midfielder will join Liverpool

It’s fair to say it’s been a mixed bag for Liverpool’s loan players this season.

The likes of James McConnell and Harvey Elliott have struggled out on loan but there is one player who is showing the benefits of a temporary spell away from Anfield.

Luca Stephenson, 22, was part of the Dundee United squad last season as a loanee before returning to base in the off-season.

Against all odds he forced his way into Arne Slot’s pre-season plans - before inking a new deal and heading out on loan to Dundee United once again.

The defender / midfielder has probably been the Tangerines’ best player once again this term and is now only three months away from an Anfield return.

Brilliant Stephenson is shining for Dundee United

Amid difficulties at right-back and centre midfield the Liverpool head coach could do a lot worse than seek to integrate Stephenson into the first-team picture.

Sunday’s Dundee derby was a disappointment for Stephenson and his Dundee United teammates. From being 2-0 up in the 90th minute the visitors let it slip at Dens Park late on - succumbing to two added-time goals and only managing a draw.

While Jim Goodwin sifts through the wreckage of two lost points for his side he can at least take huge encouragement once again from the performance of Stephenson.

He played right midfield in the Dundee United manager’s 3-4-2-1 formation - contributing the second goal with a well-timed back-post header.

A place in the Liverpool squad beckons?

Stephenson was substituted with around eight minutes to play - meaning he wasn’t even on the pitch as Dundee United’s injury time woes cropped up. For his performance he was awarded a place in Sportscene’s team of the week.

“A brilliant, brave back-post header looked like it would give Dundee United all three points in the derby, but it wasn't to be,” reads a report on the BBC website.

Stephenson has been a tower of strength for his loan club this season - winning fans over once again with his quality and commitment.

Surely a place in Liverpool’s first-team squad beckons next season - where he can fulfil plenty of duties.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move