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WOODBURN LIGHTS IT UP

Who is Ben Woodburn? Liverpool youngster scores sensational goal on Wales debut and is tipped to become the next Ian Rush

Kop starlet broke Michael Owen's record as he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the club

BEN WOODBURN continues to prove he has what it takes to become a superstar for Liveprool and Wales after netting on his international debut.

The 17-year-old scored a wonderful goal against Austria to keep Wales' World Cup hopes alive in a 1-0 victory at the Cardiff City Stadium.

 Ben Woodburn scored a stunning goal on his debut
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Ben Woodburn scored a stunning goal on his debutCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Ben Woodburn scored on his full Liverpool debut against Leeds
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Ben Woodburn scored on his full Liverpool debut against LeedsCredit: EPA

At 17 years and 45 days old, Woodburn broke Michael Owen's record as the club's youngest scorer netted for Liverpool against Leeds in the EFL Cup last season.


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Here we breakdown all you need to know about the young Welshman.

Who is Ben Woodburn? How does he qualify for Wales?

Ben Woodburn was born in Nottingham on October 15, 1999.

His maternal grandfather was born in Wales and he has impressed at age group level up to Under 19s.

He grew up in Chester and was spotted by Liverpool scouts playing parks football as a seven year old near the city.

Ben Woodburn celebrates becoming Liverpool's youngest goalscorer and breaking Michael Owen's 19-year-old mark
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Ben Woodburn celebrates becoming Liverpool's youngest goalscorer and breaking Michael Owen's 19-year-old markCredit: Reuters

Woodburn was educated at Rainhill High School and kept attending training sessions at Melwood.

He has slowly been introduced to the Reds first team and netted during a pre-season game against Wigan last summer.

, he signed a long term deal in early November.

What position does Ben Woodburn play?

During his sensational goalscoring debut for the Reds, Woodburn came on as a sub for Kevin Stewart in the 67th minute and played on the left side of a front three.

Although during his footballing education at the club, he has been encouraged to play across the front three.

Woodburn has also proven himself as a set-piece specialist at international level, netting a wonderful free kick for Wales Under-19s.

Ben Woodburn has represented Wales at youth level but is eligible to play for England as well
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Ben Woodburn has represented Wales at youth level but is eligible to play for England as wellCredit: Action Images

What have people been saying about Ben Woodburn?

Ben Woodburn has come under the spotlight in a big way, since scoring for one of the Premier League's biggest clubs and breaking the youngest scorer's record.

Jamie Carragher told the Mail: "Ben Woodburn has had a week he will never forget and I know how it feels to score in front of the Kop as a teenager.

"I also know you require one key virtue after such a big moment and that is patience.

Jurgen Klopp gives Ben Woodburn a hug after the Liverpool youngster scores on his full debut
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Jurgen Klopp gives Ben Woodburn a hug after the Liverpool youngster scores on his full debutCredit: Reuters

"It doesn't stop your world changing though, and I remember dropping back down to play an A team game shortly after I came on the scene.

"You become aware there are more eyes on you and plenty of people want to make a mark on you. Suddenly you are a target."

What is Ben Woodburn's international experience?

Ben Woodburn has played for Wales at junior level and many are speculating whether it is just a matter of time before Chris Coleman bloods him for a full international debut.

He has scored and assisted some wonderful goals for the Welsh Under-17s and Under-19s and found the net against Croatia in the elite round of the European Under-17 Championships.

Chris Coleman has faith that Ben Woodburn will not defy Wales and play for England instead
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Chris Coleman has faith that Ben Woodburn will not defy Wales and play for England insteadCredit: PA:Press Association

Wales have a number of promising young players - Coleman has promised that their incredible march to the Euro semi-finals will not be their last and if they can keep the likes of Woodburn wearing red, he could well be right.

Coleman said in November: "He's said he's committed to Wales and I'm happy to take his word for it.

"He's been brought up in the Welsh system and done very well for the various sides he has played for so we have full faith in him.

"We're aware he does qualify for England but he's always represented us well and represented us proudly - and the signs are good that he will keep progressing and continue to do that. We have full faith in him as a player."

Coleman brought youngster on in the 69th minute for his debut against Austria before he fired in the winner five minutes later in the crucial World Cup qualifier.

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