Glimpse of Liverpool superstar Aussie great sees in Herrington
At 18, Lucas Herrington has achieved what only six other Australians have managed in the Premier League and also drawn comparison to one of the greatest defenders in the modern game: Virgil van Dijk.
Ten days after completing his transfer from the Colorado Rapids to Hull City, Herrington made his entrance in the English top-flight in the 65th minute of the side’s 2-0 first round upset of Manchester United.
The 18-year-old only left the A-League in January Getty Images
Four days later, the Australian got his first start in Hull colours and played the full 90 minutes in the side’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Stoke City.
Herrington’s efforts did not go unnoticed by the football world, stamping his authority on the field and writing his name into the history books as one of seven Australian players to debut in the Premier League as a teenager.
The Hull City defender sits fourth on the list of youngest Australian debutants, with Harry Kewell taking the top spot with his first game at Leeds United at 17.
Countless football stars have burst onto the scene in England as a teenager, many of whom Herrington will be trying to emulate. But Craig Foster believes the most recognisable comparison to Herrington’s skill set is that of Liverpool star van Dijk.
Van Dijk is one of the Netherlands’ best ever defenders and he’s become one of the best players in the world over the last decade. He rose to prominence in the Premier League with Southampton after making the big move to England when he was 24.
He had made his debut in the Dutch top-flight, Eredivisie, at 19 with FC Groningen.
In his three seasons at Southampton he built a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. After signing with Liverpool he became a household name.
Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster says he can see glimpses of a young van Dijk in Herrington’s emergence.
“I was looking at Van Dijk and watching him ... I thought let’s just compare because their stature is quite similar,” Foster said on Stan Sport’s Added Time.
“Van Dijk is a little bit heavier but you can already see Lucas is starting to put a little bit of (muscle) on and bulk up.
“He (van Dijk) didn’t play for Groningen until he was 19. Lucas Neill is one of the guys (Herrington) is living up to now and he played (top-level football for Milwall) when he was 18.
“We know that (Herrington) has the ability and potential to go further, that is how highly we and some of the top clubs in the world rate him.
“But it just goes to show how he is now at this level at a younger age than most of the legendary players who he is trying to emulate. He is a very special talent.”
Virgil van Dijk (C) seen with former manager Arne Slot and teammate Mo Salah. Getty
Like van Dijk, who is the captain of Liverpool, Herrington impressed pundits with his maturity and calmness when facing Manchester United.
Foster was elated to see the teenager so comfortable among so many big names.
“What really impressed me was his organisation and his leadership. He was so, so comfortable in that moment,” the former Socceroos captain continued.
“They were winning, and it is a good moment to walk on, but he did brilliantly.
“It was important for him and all Australian fans that he did get some time. It was predictable that he started on the bench ... he got to watch and see the speed, the intensity and what he was walking into. It was great.”
Herrington and his Hull City teammates will take on fellow newly promoted Premier League side Coventry on Sunday morning (AEST).
They will then face big London clubs Aston Villa and Chelsea over the next few weeks.
