The Liverpool loanee who is making a big impact at Crawley Town

Two months later, he’s earned the Crawley Observer’s first player of the month for 2022/23 and is eager to turn the clubs league form around.

“I’ve done quite well so far,” said the 18-year-old, who’s goal helped knock Premier League side Fulham out the EFL Cup last week. “I feel like I’ve been very positive and hopefully I can use that to kick on and try to do better with each game. I’m happy with my start.”

On loan from Liverpool for the season, Balagizi must fit into a side alongside 15 other signings made this summer. As a player in a completely new environment, he said, “The experienced players have helped me quite a bit.

“They’ve given me advice every now and then, telling me where to be and what to do. That little bit of information on the pitch has helped so (fitting in) has been good for me so far.”

At England youth level, Balagizi was given his debut by Kevin Betsy, Crawley’s current manager.

“He’s really been looking after me,” said Balagizi on linking back up with Betsy. “In terms of loan and also giving me little tips, pointers and showing me clips of what I can do better, it’s always the best advice. It’s good working with him again, we get on well.”

“I knew he’d play to this level,” said Betsy, on the impact Balagizi has had on the club.

“The proof is in his performances. He’s a talented young man and is very versatile with his positions.

“Most importantly, when you’re on loan to a League Two side, when the facilities aren’t the same as Liverpool’s, he’s adapted fantastically.

"His relationships with the players, how he communicates, carries himself, working hard every day. These things will put him in good stead to have a good career.

“I’ve known him a long time and he can play even better than this.”

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Despite Balagizi’s efforts, Crawley are yet to win a game in League Two this season. Originally from Manchester, Balagizi has a chance to end that streak in front of his friends and family this Saturday, away to Salford.

Balagizi said, “I think everyone’s excited to see me back up north again, they’ll (friends and family) definitely be at the game and watching and supporting me so that will be good.

“We’ve all been working hard in training and taking in all the tactical information from the videos the gaffer has been showing us, so we’re all excited for the trip away.”

Two wins in domestic competitions and a draw in the league in their last three games means the Reds face Salford on their strongest form all season.

“We’re unbeaten,” said Balagizi. “Now we just want to take all those good bits from the games with momentum and get a full result in the league. Hopefully, that’s (a league win) just around the corner.”

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