Emerging Liverpool star claims he was shocked by Arsenal exit!!
Oct 28, 2016 at 12:09 PM
Liverpool youngster Ovie Ejaria has admitted that it was something of a shock to have been released by Arsenal earlier in his career.
The 18-year-old Ejaria made his Liverpool debut in the 3-0 EFL Cup third-round victory over Derby County last month, before making his first start for the club in the next round of the competition as the Reds beat Tottenham 2-1 on Tuesday.
This saw Ejaria build on a positive start to the campaign that saw him shine during pre-season and join regular first-team training under Jurgen Klopp at Melwood.
He initially joined the Reds back in 2014 after being released by Arsene Wenger’s team following nine years with the Gunners.
He is highly rated at Anfield, with hopes he could develop into a first team star in future.
That begs the question why he was released from the Emirates in the first place and he has admitted even he was shocked by the decision.
“It was tough and it came as a bit of a shock, to be honest,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“But I was fortunate enough to have offers from a number of clubs at different levels, some others in the London area and some up north too. I chose Liverpool and I’m pleased that I did.”
Ejaria will now be keen to prove Arsenal were wrong to let him go by becoming a star at Anfield.
He faces a fight to get into this current Liverpool team, with the competition for places already keeping several more established players on the sidelines.
Jurgen Klopp has shown his willingness to give youth a chance before now, though, and if Ejaria continues to impress as he has it will not be too long before he’s a regular for the Reds.
Ejaria’s swift rise to the first team under Klopp has made a mockery of Arsenal’s decision to allow him to leave the club on a free transfer at the age of 16.
With his attacking remit, Ejaria will be expected to both supply and score goals, which he acknowledged in setting objectives for his development at Liverpool.
Ejaria has already made a great start, and taking a humble approach to his progression, he is primed to continue this in a more regular role in the Reds’ No. 53 shirt in the future.