Tino Livramento produced an absolute masterclass on Thursday night, starring for England’s Young Lions in their opening game of the Under-21 European Championships.
After Thomas Tuchel opted to hand him more of a “leadership role” for the Under-21s, opposed to calling him up to the senior squad for recent games against Andorra and Senegal, the Newcastle United full-back was outstanding display last night.
Starting at left-back in a side that also featured former Mag Elliot Anderson, Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah and Man City’s James McAtee, Tino was the best player on the pitch in a 3-1 win, being named UEFA’s player of the match.
His run and cross played a big role in Harvey Elliot’s opener, he was the driving force from full-back and grabbed an assist in the second half, bursting past two men with a brilliant piece of skill and pace before his low cross was converted by Jonathan Rowe.
Top journalist reacts to Tino display
Renowned football writer and journalist Henry Winter couldn’t speak highly enough of Livramento following his man of the match display.
Winter described Tino as the ‘best player on the park’, praising his constant involvement, athleticism, reading of the game, engine and defensive quality, along with his versatility, feeling he has to be on Tuchel’s radar ahead of the World Cup.
In a post to his 1.3million followers on X as he watched on from the stands, he said: “No surprise that Tino Livramento involved in England’s goal. Best player on the park. Got down left again, took Hutchinson’s pass, cross palmed to McAtee back to Elliott 1-0 (h-t). Livramento constantly involved first half, athletic, anticipates, defends well, bombs forward, passing or cutting in.
“Versatile right-back shining at left-back – as he did ably for Eddie Howe #NUFC last season. 8 different players filled #ENG seniors l-b position in past year: Lewis-Skelly, James, Hall, Lewis, Trent, Colwill, Shaw, Trippier. Livramento been on bench 7 times for seniors, came on once, at right-back. His quality and versatility surely an attraction for Tuchel at World Cup.”
Tuchel explanation and Carsley praise
After the full-back missed out on Tuchel’s senior squad for recent games against Andorra and Senegal, who gave Kyle Walker a torrid time on Tuesday, the German explained his thinking.
“We decided to give Tino Livramento the chance to play his last tournament for the under-21s which is high valuable tournament for us to see him there in a leadership role – taking responsibility, knowing that it is on his shoulders.
“So yeah, we did not make ourselves easy with the nomination. I can see. I can understand the question (as to why he wasn’t picked)”
Under-21 boss Lee Carsley has also been singing Tino’s praises, describing the 22-year-old as a “top player” and great character to have within the group.
“He’s a top player. An excellent player. Tino’s had some injuries in the past which have held him back. Without those injuries, I think he’d have been a lot further ahead now than where he is in terms of pushing for a senior position.
“So, he’s highly-rated both on and off the pitch. The fact that he can play two or three positions (is ideal). I remember the first camp I ever had with Tino was an Under-20s one and I might have played him on the right wing.
“He always turns up with so much enthusiasm. We’ve tried to help him as much as we can when he’s here as well, in terms of when things haven’t been going so well for him. We’ve still picked him and still tried to give him game time. He fully deserves to be here, and I expect him to have a massive future with the senior team.”
And City expect us to drop our valuation?!?!!!
We can’t lose this lad to anyone imo!!!
He’s better than an ageing Walker at RB and an overrated Lewis-Skelly at LB – however I also think Hall is better than Lewis-Skelly so he plays LB and Tino plays RB for England.
On a side note – I liked the look of McAtee last night as well. He’s a player we kept getting linked to – it would be a yes for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hall at lb and Livramento at rb.
We’re set up for fullbacks for the rest of the decade, and longer.
Roger Hopkins(Quote)