Danny Ings’ Liverpool career hasn’t quite gone to plan since his arrival from Burnley in the summer of 2015. Despite being a Red now for two years he’s featured in just 11 competitive matches with two knee injuries marring his time at Anfield.
It all started so well for him, too. He scored his first goal for Brendan Rodgers’ side against Norwich City just minutes after replacing Christian Benteke at half-time. He followed that up with the opener in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to etch his name into the hearts of every Liverpool fan at that very moment.
The nudge on Ross Barkley before he nods it home coupled with his passionate celebration just endeared him to the Liverpool faithful.
He was unable to build on that momentum, though. In his first training session under new manager Jürgen Klopp, Ings suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee and was ruled out for the remainder of the season
In his absence, the former Borussia Dortmund manager turned to Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian transitioned from an attacking midfielder to a false-nine. Alongside Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, he was instrumental in wins over Chelsea and Manchester City.
The ex-Hoffenheim man’s robust nature, his high energy and selfless running off of the ball meant he carved a niche in the Liverpool squad as Klopp’s de facto striker. He wasn’t judged on goals but more so performances and his ability to make himself a nuisance meant he had a USP like no other. He has the tenacity of fan-favourite Luis Suarez without the killer mentality.
Ings was forced to watch on from the sidelines knowing he could have been perfect for that role in Klopp’s attack. The Liverpool no.28 is full of energy but just needed to refine his approach, something Klopp and his coaching staff would have had no trouble coaching into him.
The positional intelligence was there already. During his final season with Burnley he averaged 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes (stats courtesy of whoscored.com). Last season, when looking at the Liverpool attackers, only Firmino (1.7) and Lallana (1.5) averaged more than that.
Ings returned to training and just before Liverpool’s Europa League semi-final against Villarreal Klopp revealed he’d been impressed with what he’d seen during his recovery.
“His attitude and character around the building during this time has impressed me more than I can express.
“Of course, Danny still has much more hard work to do in his process of returning to the level we all know he can achieve.
“But if he maintains his attitude and continues to work as hard as he has done since suffering the injury, we will have a special player, as well as a special person.”
Towards the end of the summer 2016 transfer window reports emerged linking the striker with a move away. But, again, the German was complimentary of the striker and quahsed those rumours.
“We’re counting on Ingsy. He is a fantastic boy.
“I like Danny, I talked to him and I told him last week in my opinion it is better he collects game time (with the under-23’s)."
He looked set to be part of the first-team squad, albeit at fourth choice striker after the sale of Benteke to Crystal Palace. But then, in just his second appearance under Klopp in an EFL Cup tie against Spurs, he injured his right knee and would require a further nine months on the sidelines.
Undeterred, Ings set about returning to fitness ahead of schedule. According to the Liverpool Echo, Ings set himself a target of swimming 21 miles during rehab, which is the equivalent of the English channel. In just four months, the forward has completed 1,700 lengths of the Melwood pool.
The report went on suggest that Ings’ rehab work has ‘blown Klopp away’, and, as a result of his dedication, the manager expects the forward to be part of his first-team squad next year.
Despite his best efforts, his Liverpool career could still be over.
Daniel Sturridge, who initially looked set to leave this summer, is likely to stay according to recent reports. But it’s the arrival of new signing Dominic Solanke which could push Ings out of the door.
The former Chelsea academy player, who arrived at Anfield on a free transfer just as Ings did, impressed for England under-20’s during their World Cup triumph. He moved from Stamford Bridge in order to get more first-team action which gives an indication he’s not just made the trip up north to make up the numbers on Merseyside.
He showcased his remarkable fitness levels – as shown in the video above – during the lactic acid test on the first day of pre-season training to see how fit each of the returning players were. He outlasted Firmino and Jordan Henderson, both famed for their stamina, and finished just behind James Milner.
He impressed in the first pre-season match of the season, a 4-0 away with at Tranmere Rovers, and had a hand in the third goal showing great strength in the penalty area. It’s hard to read too much into a friendly but Solanke caught the eye in the second-half.
He does everything Ings does; he’s a grafter and a true team player, but he hasn’t had the two knee injuries and he’s six years younger than the ex-Bournemouth man who turns 25 later this month.
Solanke could also be more malleable than Ings meaning he’s somewhat of a blank canvas for the Stuttgart-born boss to shape him into the striker he wants.
Ings, through no fault of his own, could see his Liverpool career over before it’s even had chance to begin.
