Take it easy, boy: Two games, 16 minutes & two red cards for L'pool teenager

People say that all beginnings are difficult, but what happens when one is absolutely nightmarish? Giving up is not an option, that's for sure, though probably no one would currently want to be Amara Nallo.

For those who have never heard of the lad - and there are plenty - that's the 18-year-old Liverpool centre-back and a product of their renowned academy. But let's get back to his horrendous start in the Reds' senior squad.

Nallo debuted for Arne Slot's crew back in January, in the Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, which Liverpool lost 3-2. It was the final round of the league phase, and the Premier League side had already secured the top spot, so it could afford a "painless" defeat.

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The final score was set before the break, and the youngster got a chance to debut in the 83rd minute, replacing another teenager, Jayden Danns. Still, after spending only four minutes on the pitch, Nallo fouled a rival as the last defender and was sent off.

Since that January night, he hasn't been in Slot's plans until two days ago, when the Dutchman opted for a rotated lineup in the EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace.

The risk didn't pay off, as the Eagles took a 2-0 lead even before the break, while Nallo replaced Alexis Mac Allister in the 67th minute. Nevertheless, it was only the start of a painful deja vu...

Twelve minutes after his entry, he lost the ball near the halfway line, brought down Justin Devenny as the last man in defence, and earned himself another dismissal.

In two games for Liverpool's first team, Nallo received as many red cards, clocking only 16 minutes on the pitch! He's practically being sent off every eight minutes!

Now, his mental strength will be put to the test. He'll undoubtedly have support from the manager and the more experienced teammates, but he'll have to recover and get his head in the game all by himself.

After all, if Nallo succeeds in getting over this abysmal start, he'll prove he has what it takes to become a top player.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 10

Saturday

18.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.75) Leeds (4.25)

18.00: (12.0) Burnley (5.80) Arsenal (1.30)

18.00: (1.95) Crystal Palace (3.65) Brentford (3.90)

18.00: (1.90) Fulham (3.50) Wolverhampton (4.60)

18.00: (3.50) Nottingham Forest (3.45) Manchester United (2.10)

20.30: (2.75) Tottenham (3.65) Chelsea (2.55)

23.00: (1.65) Liverpool (4.50) Aston Villa (5.00)

Sunday

17.00: (5.25) West Ham (4.15) Newcastle (1.65)

19.30: (1.53) Manchester City (4.80) Bournemouth (5.80)

Monday

23.00: (2.85) Sunderland (3.20) Everton (2.75)

***odds are subject to change***