How highly is Rhian Brewster rated? Outside of Liverpool, with up to six Premier League clubs banging the door down for his signature, it appears quite highly. Yet within the confines of Anfield, with Jürgen Klopp holding down any overt praise for the youngster, one can argue that Brewster himself has a right to feel slightly confused about what the plan for him is?
With a brace in today's 2-2 draw with Red Bull Salzburg to his name, any potential hope that the forward can go about his business quietly will be impossible, with Reds' fans likely to be fervent with hope about what Brewster can do this season if given a chance. Klopp called him a "natural goalscorer" post-match, but was also once again quick to caveat how much the player can still learn.
Once again, ambiguity around Brewster reigns. He has the tools to be a Liverpool option this season, but could well be loaned. He has been a highly rated prospect, to injury write-off, to loan sensation and back again. The point is that Liverpool haven't exactly handled Brewster smoothly. Whether there is more to his situation than we know remains to be seen, but what's now clear is that a decision needs to be made on the forward's immediate future.
![Rhian Brewster of Swansea City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Middlesbrough](https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article18458111.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_GettyImages-1221112136.jpg)
Instead of pondering what Brewster can do better, a look at what he can do and has also learnt is now pivotal. Brewster described his Swansea spell as playing "men's football" and spoke about the difference of the Championship compared to Liverpool under-23's. He's completely right, and under no circumstances will he be allowed another half season in the second string.
If Klopp and Liverpool believe that another loan is the way forward, then it needs to be one which ensures it has Brewster's development as a Liverpool player at heart. That said, he is 20-years-old, no longer a teen who only measures time linearly. Brewster knows that even now it's becoming slightly make or break in terms of when at Anfield.
For that reason I'd keep him around. Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri are wider options for this manager. Takumi Minamino doesn't quite look like he's adapted to Roberto Firmino's role. And most importantly, in games like today when Liverpool need instinctive finishers, Brewster may prove to be crucial next season.
Liverpool overperformed on xG last season, scoring 85 goals for their average of 75.19. That can be viewed with various context, the point remains they needed someone at certain times to be clinical in front of goal. Rhian Brewster can do many things better, but what he does best definitely adds something positive to the champions' forward line.