Liverpool’s Owen Beck: A Future Star in the Making?
Liverpool youngster Owen Beck has been drawing comparisons to first-team regular Andy Robertson, and not without reason. Former Celtic manager and current Dundee Technical Director, Gordon Strachan, has offered high praise for the 22-year-old left-back, who recently completed two loan spells at Dundee. Strachan’s glowing assessment, shared in an interview with Lord Ping, highlights Beck’s potential and his resemblance to Robertson in both playing style and attitude.
Beck’s Development and Robertson Comparisons
Gordon Strachan, a seasoned football mind, knows talent when he sees it. His comparison of Beck to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson is not made lightly. While Strachan is careful to note that Beck is not yet at Robertson’s level, he acknowledges that the young Welshman has adopted many of the Scottish star’s good habits. As Strachan put it, “He’s clever. He’s watched Andy Robertson and has modelled parts of his game on his. That means he’s intelligent. That means he can pick things up and develop as a player.”
Beck’s ability to emulate Robertson’s style is particularly evident in his work rate and defensive intelligence. Strachan praises Beck’s engine, his willingness to get forward, and his team-first mentality—all qualities that have made Robertson a standout at Liverpool. Additionally, Beck’s growing physical strength and understanding of positional play make him a formidable defender despite not being the biggest on the pitch.
Potential Move to Celtic
Beck’s performances at Dundee have reportedly attracted the attention of Celtic, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. A move to the Scottish giants could be a significant step in Beck’s career, providing him with the opportunity to develop further in a competitive environment. Strachan’s endorsement of Beck’s character and football intelligence suggests that he has the attributes needed to succeed at a high level.
Strachan’s comments also underline Beck’s resilience and adaptability, particularly in how he dealt with the physical demands of the Scottish Premiership. “At Dundee, as the season went on, he got stronger. He worked on his upper body strength,” Strachan noted, comparing Beck’s tenacity to that of Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez. This ability to adapt and grow is crucial for any young player, and Beck appears to have embraced the challenge.
A Promising Future Ahead
While Beck may not yet have broken into Liverpool’s first team, his trajectory is promising. Strachan’s insights paint a picture of a player who is not only talented but also possesses the work ethic and mentality required to make it at the highest level. Whether he continues his journey at Liverpool or takes on a new challenge at Celtic, Beck’s future in football looks bright.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Hearing such positive feedback about Owen Beck is encouraging. The comparisons to Andy Robertson, one of the best left-backs in world football, naturally raise expectations. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Beck is still in the early stages of his career. His time at Dundee has clearly been beneficial, allowing him to develop his game in a challenging environment.
A move to Celtic could be a smart step for Beck, providing him with the platform to gain regular first-team experience under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. Given Rodgers’ history with Liverpool, it’s a move that could benefit all parties involved. For Liverpool, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on Beck’s development, whether he stays or goes on loan again. He could well be a valuable asset for the Reds in the future, especially as a potential successor to Robertson.
In conclusion, while there’s no guarantee that Beck will reach the same heights as Robertson, the early signs are promising. With the right guidance and opportunities, there’s every chance that he could become a key player for Liverpool or another top club in the coming years.