Next big thing at Liverpool names recent Reds signing as major hero

Tyler Morton

The next big emerging talent at Liverpool has revealed his inspiration in the senior side after securing his own future to the club.

Tyler Morton, an 18-year-old midfielder pulling up trees for their U23s this season, has taken the next step in his career. That’s after the Reds rewarded the talented young star with a bumper new long-term deal.

Norton continued his improvement by scoring a fine equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Everton at Southport on Monday.

The teenager only signed his first pro deal in August. But such has been his form, Liverpool ripped up that agreement and tied him down to another, longer deal.

Norton also scored on his debut for the U18s earlier this season.

And given he grew up a Reds supporter, playing – and scoring – for the club means a lot to him.

“I was a Liverpool fan growing up,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “I’ve always been a Liverpool supporter and would go the game with my dad and my brother.

“I’m a big Red. We’d sit on the first row of the Anfield Road end. We had an unbelievable view of the players. It may not have been the Kop but it was always a great view.”

Norton pointed out Steven Gerrard as his obvious hero growing up.

But he now admits he looks up to Spanish star Thiago Alcantara.

“Who were my heroes? Steven Gerrard and now it’s Thiago. I like to try and copy everything he does – rolling the ball under my studs, no-look passes, that kind of thing!

“It’s hard to take your eyes off him when he’s playing.”


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Norton happy with progress

The youngster now has three goals in five games for the U23s this season. Add that to the three goals and three assists he has playing for the U18s, he’s clearly happy with his progress.

“I had to find my feet at U18s because I got a knee injury while at the U16s and didn’t play for them,” explains Morton. “I made an impact with the U18s, and when you start playing more then you become more confident in yourself.

“Now I’ve taken the step up to the 23s, I am having to find my feet again and gel with the players, but with Leighton [Clarkson] and Jake [Cain] it’s easy to gel with them because they play a similar style.

“Obviously, there are better players at U23 level. It’s quicker, and I like it because it’s one and two-touch and it suits my game more.

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