By Tom Slatcher

Tuesday night saw Ben Woodburn become the youngest goal scorer in Liverpool’s history aged just 17 years and 45 days. However, the debate has already begun, is the Cheshire born starlet a ‘flash in the pan’ or one for the future?

Woodburn’s goal in their 2-0 victory over Leeds saw the Reds cruise into the semi-final of the EFL Cup for the third straight season where they will face Southampton.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp took a cautious approach after Woodburn’s record breaking goal, stating that he was “really happy” for the youngster but admitting he is “afraid of all you, the media”. The media spotlight has been something that has hampered the development of youngsters in the past, with Federico Macheda being one of many examples in recent years, meaning Liverpool will be wary of the potential pressure Woodburn could face. This was the obvious approach from Klopp in his post-match interview, as he continued to play down the 17-year-olds feat claiming, “I said well done afterwards. It was not too difficult, I would have scored in that situation”, with a sly smile on his face.

Liverpool were already aware of Woodburn’s talent, and many fans witnessed this for the first time in the teen’s impressive pre-season campaign. Klopp was then questioned whether a boy who has just taken his GCSE’s could feature in the first team for the coming season, Klopp replied “of course not, Ben is just 16”.

Is this a peak or just the beginning for the Liverpool forward? Woodburn follows in the footsteps of teammate James Milner and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who both scored their first senior goals at the age of 16 and both going on to have successful careers.

However, a goal at such a tender age isn’t always an indication for greatness.

The Premier League’s all-time youngest goal scorer James Vaughan, who scored at the age of 16 years and 267 days for Everton against Crystal Palace saw his career decline after that historic goal. Vaughan is living proof of how a promising player who has been placed on a pedestal can fall from grace. However, if his career wasn’t hampered by injuries it could have been a different story, Vaughan now plays in League One with Bury at the age of 28.

Is there a bright future ahead for Woodburn? Yes, probably. However, comparing a youngster, who this time last year was revising for his GCSE’s, as the next Steven Gerrard is perhaps a little too far.