---
title: "Why Woodburn is using Gnabry as inspiration – he is a perfect role model"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/why-woodburn-is-using-gnabry-as-inspiration-he-is-a-perfect-role-model/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-10-15T16:00:04Z"
modified: "2019-10-15T16:00:04Z"
---

# Why Woodburn is using Gnabry as inspiration – he is a perfect role model

It is easy to forget that Ben Woodburn is still only 20, having burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old.

The Welshman became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer back in 2016, firing home in front of the Kop in a League Cup win over Leeds United.

Since then, Woodburn’s career has stalled somewhat, spending a disappointing loan spell at Sheffield United last season.

He was thriving at Oxford United until a recent fractured metatarsal, however, and he is still confident about his career moving forward.

Speaking to the *[Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7574751/Ben-Woodburn-given-Liverpool-dream-turns-20.html)*, Woodburn says he is using Serge Gnabry as inspiration, after he also struggled to reach his potential early on:

> I feel like I have had so much experience and yet I am still only young and learning. Watching someone like Serge Gnabry develop is a big help.

> I saw his four goals for Bayern Munich against Tottenham in the Champions League. When he was 20, he couldn’t get a game on loan at West Brom.

> He has shown you can push through if you keep working hard and hopefully I can do something like he’s done.

> I am looking forward to this birthday. I’m happy that maybe all these people calling me the young lad will realise I am turning into a man and ready for it. I know what I can do and I have to just show it on the pitch.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Woodburn has a wise head on young shoulders and it is good to see him remaining positive about the future.

It will be extremely difficult for him to become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans, but he is still improving as a player.

There’s no reason why he can’t mature into a formidable footballer over the next couple of years, but he will have to hit a top level to make the grade at Anfield.

In 24-year-old Gnabry, Woodburn has the perfect role model, with the former Arsenal man now a key player for Bayern Munich and Germany.