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Who’s This 19-Year-Old Norwegian Starlet That Liverpool Are Pursuing? Everything You Need To Know

Olaus Jair Skarsem

Scout Report – Olaus Jair Skarsem

Liverpool might not have done enough to acquire big name players back in summer, but Jurgen Klopp, the Reds’ boss, is reportedly trying to bring in high-profile youngsters of Europe and has already sighted a few ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window. If reports from several outlets are believed to be true, the Reds are keeping close tabs on the progress of Norwegian starlet Olaus Jair Skarsem, who is hailed as the next big thing of his country.

The 19-year-old midfielder currently plays for the development side of Eliteserien outfit Rosenborg BK and has earned loads of applauds for his playmaking traits along with all-round midfield ability. The starlet has been extensively scouted by Klopp’s team who are keeping a regular update of his progression.

Although he is featuring for Rosenborg’s second team, the starlet has already made his senior debut, which was in last year’s Cup competition against Åfjord where he netted once in his 10-minute cameo appearance. He has featured regularly in UEFA Youth League and is making steady progress through the youth ranks of the Norwegian champions. 

Liverpool are considering Skarsem for the future and are confident of wrapping up a deal ahead of many potential admirers, by banking on a good relationship with the club, particularly with former Reds left-back Stig Inge Bjørnebye who made around 184 appearances for the Merseysiders back in 90’s currently working as the Sporting Director of Rosenborg BK.

Skarsem plays in midfield and loves to operate as box-to-box midfielder. He is skillful and loves to create opportunities up front for the attackers with key passes and through balls. The teenager has a strong vision, quick movement and is also capable of operating in a ‘number 10’ role. Klopp has emphasised on training and is keen to build a strong reserve side consisting a pool of top-notch young talents.

The German gaffer is known for promoting youth and has been handing first-team opportunities to the likes of Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ben Woodburn. Skarsem will have his opportunities to make it to the senior side of this prestigious football club if he manages to impress Klopp in the training ground.

Klopp, however, already has the likes of Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo, Ryan Kent, Danny Ward and Ovie Ejaria – the immensely potential Academy prodigies who are struggling to break into the first team due to the presence of several senior resources. Marko Grujic, the young Serbian who joined them last summer from Red Star Belgrade, is also facing the same consequences despite impressing in his limited opportunities.

The ball game is understandable, especially when a side is competing for the Premier League title against the heavyweights of England, who have spent a lot of money in order to conquer the throne. There is hardly any scope of providing the youth with enough first-team opportunities and they, as a result, end up playing in lower leagues for regular game-time.

Skarsem must analyse things rationally before making a move and will have to be patient for his chances to impress the gaffer if the deal finally materialises.