Last night, Ben Woodburn became Liverpool's youngest ever goal scorer at the age of 17 years and 45 days. The young forward broke the record held by Michael Owen by 98 days as Liverpool defeated Leeds United 2-0 in their quarter-final clash in the EFL Cup.
Of course, as comes with all youngsters who score, people will closely watch the development of Woodburn now and see what becomes of his career. We have taken a look at some of the youngest ever goalscorers and how their careers have turned out.
These could act as both warnings and inspiration to the record-breaker Woodburn.
James Vaughan
Vaughan is the youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League after scoring for Everton at the age of 16 years and 271 days. The striker scored the final goal as Everton beat Crystal Palace 4-0 back in 2005.
Big things were then expected of Vaughan and his career but he has never lived up to his initial promise and has suffered a gradual decline in his career. After suffering lots of injuries and being shipped out on loan various times, Vaughan ended up at Norwich City before moving to Huddersfield Town.
After failing to produce any consistent goal scoring form Vaughan is now playing League One for Bury. Not quite the heady heights people had predicted.
James Milner
Milner had previously held the record after scoring for Leeds United against Sunderland at the age of 16 years and 352 days.
Milner soon established himself in the Leeds side, even at such a young age, and then moved to Newcastle two years later. After playing for Aston Villa for a few seasons following, Milner then got a big money move to Manchester City where he won two Premier League titles.
After running down his contract at City, Milner moved to Liverpool last season and is now deployed as a left-back by Jurgen Klopp. Milner has appeared 61 times for England, so it's safe to say that the 30-year-old has fulfilled his potential.
Wayne Rooney
Here's a young goal scorer that has undoubtedly gone on to greatness. Rooney was just 16 years and 355 days when he scored his famous winner against Arsenal whilst playing for Everton.
A couple of years later a big money move beckoned for Rooney and he headed to Manchester United; where he has been ever since.
The United and England captain is the country's all-time record goal scorer and'as things stand'is just one goal short of equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goal scoring record for the Red Devils. Rooney has received much criticism throughout the course of his career, but will no doubt go down as one of the greats.
Cesc Fabregas
Shortly after his 17th birthday Fabregas scored for Arsenal against Blackburn. The Spaniard enjoyed an eight-year spell with the Gunners and was club captain before he returned to his boyhood club Barcelona.
In 2014, Fabregas returned to the Premier League as Jose Mourinho brought him to Chelsea and that is where he still plays.
The midfielder has also enjoyed an illustrious international career; winning the European Championships twice, as well as the World Cup with Spain.
Michael Owen
Owen scored on his league debut against Wimbledon aged 17 years and 142 days and in his second season he bagged 18 goals.
In his whole career at Liverpool, he scored 118 league goals, before moving to Real Madrid. Owen never quite hit it off and returned to the Premier League with Newcastle United.
Injury very much disrupted the end of Owen's career, but the forward retired with 163 league goals in two different countries and 40 goals for his country.
Images via: Getty, Goal
Date Posted: Wednesday 30th November 2016
Author: George Crewe
