Scout Report – Sheyi Ojo
Newcastle United continue to be linked with a horde of names on their return to the Premier League. The latest to be added to that list is Liverpool’s exciting youth talent Sheyi Ojo. According to the reports from The Chronicle, the Magpies are targeting a move for the 19-year old.
The report also claims that Newcastle wanted to sign Ojo in the summer of 2016, but no move materialized and it now looks like manager Rafael Benitez is keen on adding him to his ranks ahead of their return to the top flight.
So, who is Sheyi Ojo and what will he be able to bring to the table? Let’s take a look.
Footballing Background
Ojo was born on 19 June 1997 in Hemel Hempstead and began his footballing with MK Dons as a 10-year old in 2007. By the age of 13, he had represented the Dons U18 side and had also begun training with the senior team.
Seeing his prodigious talent, Liverpool beat the likes of Chelsea to sign the player in the summer of 2011, for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £2million. Continuing his impressive run through the Reds academy, he became a regular in the U17 team and his moment came in April 2014, when he finished as the top scorer of the reputed Future Cup, along with Harry Wilson.
Over the course of the next season, he made a few appearances on the bench for Liverpool but was shipped out on loan to Wigan Athletic in February 2015. He made 11 appearances for the Latics, without getting a goal or an assist, but did win a man of the match award on his debut for Wigan against Bournemouth.
After returning to Liverpool at the end of the season, Ojo signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, just after making his debut in a friendly against Swindon Town. He then joined Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan for the 2015/16 season.
He had made 17 appearances in the second tier, scoring 2 and registering 3 assists, when new manager Jurgen Klopp decided to call him back from loan in January and hand him his senior team competitive debut just a day after he returned, in a 2-2 draw against Exeter City in the FA Cup. Ojo went on to score his first goal against the same opposition in the replay two weeks later. He finished the season with 11 appearances for the Reds with 1 goal and 4 assists.
A back injury at the start of the 2016/17 campaign meant he missed out on action until November. However, since then, he hasn’t been able to carve out a place in the team. He has made just 2 FA Cup appearances for the Reds.
Style of Play
Adept at playing anywhere across the attack, Ojo performs at his best when played on the left flank. But he is equally good on the opposite wing too.
Known for his excellent touch and dribbling abilities at speed, Ojo is a typical winger with pace and power. Over the years, his hold up play has seen a lot of improvement, while his decision making too has seen a good progress. A good set-piece taker and a decent passer, his work rate too has been lauded in the recent past. However, the 19-year old still has a lot to learn, to develop into a fine winger. But the signs are good though.
What Does The Future Hold?
Ojo may not have been able to get a regular run of games this season, but it is no secret that Klopp rates him and thinks of him highly. So, a permanent move away from Anfield may not be on the cards at this point. But a loan deal at Newcastle may benefit both the parties.