Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson is reaping the benefits of regular game time at Dundee United this season.
The 21-year-old moved to Tannadice in the summer on a season-long loan from Anfield having spent the previous campaign at Barrow.
He’s been a key addition to Jim Goodwin’s squad and his versatility has been utilised to the maximum. Stephenson also has an eye for goal and already has three for the season.
Stephenson admits the move to the Scottish Premiership has been a step up for his development and it’s safe to say he’s settled in to the demands of the league quickly, having started every game since signing in August.
United are fourth in the league after 14 games and Stephenson has played his part in that. Now he’s just hoping to stay in the team and continue to impress.
Luca Stephenson flying at Dundee United
Speaking to the media ahead of Dundee United’s match against Kilmarnock, Stephenson said: “It’s been massive. I said at the start of the season before I came up here that this was the next step in my career.
“I was in League Two last year and this has been a step up in terms of level of opposition and the publicity you get up here.
“I think I’ve had a good start and hopefully I’m showing people that I’m good enough for this level. In future years I want to go and play at a higher level and at the minute I’m doing well.
“I can already tell how much it’s lifted my game and my profile. I want to keep that going for the rest of the season, but we’re only at the start of December and I can notice the difference in my game.
“My better physicality is adapting to the men’s game. Last season was my first year in the men’s game and, I didn’t struggle, but it was new for me.
“This season I feel like I can take it in my stride a lot more and I’m understanding a lot more about the men’s game and what I have to do.”
Liverpool regularly monitoring Stephenson
On how Liverpool keep tabs on his progress at Dundee United, Stephenson explained: “I’m in a little group chat with the loans manager down there and a few of the U21s staff. I let them know if I’m playing every week and then they’ll tune in to the games.
“Luckily enough I’ve been playing in all of them so they’ve been sending pictures of them watching on DUTV! They tune in to all the games and I always open my phone at five o’clock when the game is finished with a boatload of messages if I’ve scored.
“They keep in regular contact without being too on top of me and let me just enjoy being out on loan and the experiences that it’s bringing.”