A Progress Report on Coventry's Liverpool Loanee Ryan Kent

At the start of the 2015/16 season, Liverpool had 20 players out on loan, of which some were high-profile moves such as Mario Balotelli back to AC Milan and Lazar Markovic to Fenerbahce.

It's something that new manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed concerns about, hinting at a change in approach in future.

"I’m not sure in this moment it’s always best to give young players to other clubs. I think it’s a kind of pressure you don’t need at that age," he said in October, per the Liverpool Echo. 

When Klopp looks up how the multitude of loaned players are getting on at their temporary clubs, it will likely strengthen his view that changes are needed in Liverpool's approach.

Tiago Ilori and Andre Wisdom, on loan to Aston Villa and Norwich City respectively, have started just two Premier League games between them. Ryan McLaughlin has started just one league game for Aberdeen.

There are, though, two success stories emerging from Liverpool's loaned lot so far this season: Sheyi Ojo at Wolves and Ryan Kent at Coventry City.

The two teenage attackers impressed last season for the Reds' under-21s and are regulars for their respective sides so far this campaign—showing that there is value in the loan system if the player and their temporary club are the right match.

Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images

The duo are benefitting in a similar way to Jordon Ibe (who played for Derby County last season, before being recalled early in January) and Jesse Lingard (Manchester United's winger who spent time at Birmingham City). 

There has been talk of Klopp recalling Ojo or Kent early to strengthen the Reds' attacking options in wide areas.

Kent has spent time at Melwood over the international break to allow for the new manager to take a closer look at one of Liverpool's most promising players. The Coventry Telegraph report that Klopp is "happy  for him to resume his loan spell"—which ends in January at present.

"That’s not a negative for Ryan—bottom line is Liverpool are trying to win the Premier League and win trophies and he’s still a young boy," says Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray.

Coventry are keen to extend the loan spell until the end of the season, something that could be scuppered by reported interest from Championship side Huddersfield Town—who this month appointed Klopp's former Borussia Dortmund colleague David Wagner.

"It’s just speculation," says Mowbray. "If that happens, it happens and we’ll just have to find the next player. But at this moment we’re happy with Ryan so let’s keep going with him."

Kent

Nineteen-year-old Kent, who was born in Oldham but joined Liverpool's academy aged just seven, has made nine appearances for Mowbray's side—starting six, scoring once and completing 90 minutes just three times, per Transfermarkt.

Harry Trump/Getty Images

That doesn't seem like a huge involvement for a team that have played 17 league games so far this season but perhaps it's more of a sign of Mowbray's measured approach to developing the youngster.

The one goal the dynamic winger scored was eye-catching—he cut inside from the left, turned a defender and produced a beautiful curling effort with his right foot into the far corner against Barnsley. It was similar to a goal he scored for Liverpool's under-21s at the back end of last season against Everton at Goodison Park.

"

Ryan Kent's goal tonight for Coventry: pic.twitter.com/hPPx40eeBJ

— The Normal One (@LFCTikiTaka) November 4, 2015"

Kent has also impressed with some skill, which went viral on social media:

"

Ok, we've had a bit of fun with that video. Here's the video in full. Incredible skill from @ryankent_10! #PUSB pic.twitter.com/wDHBFSVDOR

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) November 5, 2015"

As well as getting playing time for Coventry, Kent has also featured for England under-20s this season, most recently starting in their 4-3 defeat to France earlier this month.

After his short spell back on Merseyside, Kent will now be keen to force his way further into Mowbray's plans and become a regular feature for the Sky Blues over the busy festive period. He should get plenty of playing time, and that could lead to his loan being extended, or indeed interest from a team in the Championship.

Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

That would be when Klopp and academy director Alex Inglethorpe must judge whether a step up would be best for the player at that time. If he were to join a side in the second tier, he needs to be getting regular playing time and not just the odd cameo appearance from the bench.

After this campaign, Kent will then be looking to impress in pre-season and could see himself in Klopp's first-team squad next season.

Of all those out on loan, Kent is one of the few who looks best placed to end up making the grade at Anfield.