Leighton Clarkson: The Liverpool loanee following in James Maddison’s footsteps

Robin Bairner

• 5 Nov 2022 13:25 GMT
• 4 min read

Leighton Clarkson is unlikely to be a name that has registered on the radar of too many Liverpool fans, but the 21-year-old midfielder is certainly making a name for himself in Aberdeen on loan.

Clarkson gave arguably his greatest performance yet on Friday as he scored one and created another as the Dons maintained a formidable home record in the Scottish Premiership with a 4-1 victory over Hibs.

He arrived at Pittodrie more noted as a defensive midfielder, but a return of four goals, three in the league, and two assists in just 12 matches shows that his game is about so much more than that.

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His flare was amply demonstrated against Hibs as he scored a brilliant fourth for his side. After a counter down the right, he received a low cross, danced past the goalkeeper and finished with a brilliant back heel. This came after he had delivered a pinpoint corner for Bojan Miovski to head home the Dons’ second.

Clarkson hoping to replicate Maddison

It was not the first time that Clarkson has produced a moment worthy of a highlight reel. Against St Johnstone earlier in the season, he delivered a brilliant free kick into the top corner.

It was a strike worthy of another Englishman who made a positive loan move to Aberdeen early in his career: James Maddison.

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The Leicester player spent part of the 2016/17 campaign on loan at the club from Norwich. Interestingly, he was around the same age as Clarkson and arguably had less of an impact, despite a memorable winning goal against Rangers.

There are echoes of the same maturity and ability to run a game from Clarkson, who looked a seasoned performer in the centre of the part for the Dons. He produced his side’s highest number of passes and entries into the final third.

Maddison’s development when he returned to Norwich from Aberdeen was exponential and Clarkson will have to replicate that if he is to match the Premier League winner, but his performances in Scotland suggest that he has every chance.