It's fair to say Tiago Ilori took part in a bit of a learning curve last season. After Brendan Rodgers decided to loan out the 21 year old to Spanish outfit Granada, for the 2013-14 season, it was hoped that the defender would gain the experience of competitive games in a top European league. Overall, it appears that the target has been achieved.
The Portuguese international made 9 appearances with an overall 78.5% pass completion rate, something which is becoming increasingly more important for a defensive-minded footballer. He also put in a man of the match performance in the shock 1-0 win over giants Barcelona, something which will surely stay with him forever.
At such a young age, Ilori has the world at his feet and his career is only just beginning. It has been regularly questionned whether Anfield is the place for him to be, but there is no doubt that he is a classy defender, with excellent qualities that set him up nicely to head towards a successful future in football. Liverpool will certainly nurture him into something even better and by 26/27 years of age, one would hope that he is at the highest level and as that is what his potential promises.
With the extra games this season, it may be that first-team chances come often for Ilori, however another season out may well be a suitable option too. After all, a 21 year old like him would not be expected to compete with a starting place with defenders such as Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho at a club like Liverpool. Many people can see him being a big part of the squad's future along with players such as Ryan McLaughlin, Harry Wilson, Cameron Branagan and Samed Yesil, but whether 2014-15 is the year it all begins, is yet to be seen.