Liverpool Academy midfielder Tommy Pilling accepted an interview with Liverpool's official website and talked about his family heritage as a descendant of the Red Army legend, his feelings at Liverpool and his prospects for the future.
As the great-grandson of Liverpool legend Jack Pilling, what does this family history mean to you?
I have only seen him in newspapers and photos. My dad’s grandad played for Liverpool, which is really crazy.
You joined the Liverpool youth academy at the age of 5 and have now spent 15 years at the club. What does this experience mean to you?
is a dream. Every opportunity feels better because this club is everything I know. I love this club. The opportunity to play at Anfield is better than anywhere else and that's an extra exciting feeling.
I've been to so many games and watched them in the stadium, so having the opportunity to sit on the bench or warm up there is a feeling I can't get anywhere else.
You made your first-team debut a few months ago in a pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao. Can you recall the scene?
That debut jersey has been framed and hangs proudly on the wall at home. Even though it wasn't an official game, just the feeling of being at Anfield, being with the fans, warming up, sitting behind the dugout and listening, understanding what the first-team players listen to before the game, how they move around before the game, what they're doing, that's what I learned a lot.
Being able to really play, and I still have a good 25 minutes, is an opportunity to show myself and show my abilities. I was nervous before the game, but during the warm-up, everything felt natural. When the manager said, ‘You’re on,’ I was just focused and happy.
You have also been invited to train with the first team many times and were selected for the squad against Southampton in the League Cup. What is it like training with the first-team players?
I think I was pretty nervous during the first two or three workouts. But then you get used to those players and who they are, their different personalities.
But it doesn't make any difference, you're just playing football and enjoying the process. It feels very good.
You have shown your comprehensive ability in the U21 team coached by Rob Page, playing in multiple positions such as No. 6, left winger and forward. How do you define your style?
Midfielder is my main position, so I would say I am a calm and creative player. I don’t mind changing my game, dribbling, one or two touches, long passes, short passes. I will also fight and throw myself into the confrontation.
I would say I'm pretty comprehensive. If you can play football, you can play in any position. It's just football.
What goals do you have for your future?
Hopefully being loaned out and getting as many opportunities to train with the first team as possible. I want to play for the senior team. I'm in no rush to get there, but the goal is to work in that direction.