Harry Wilson: Liverpool's Record Breaking Winger on Emulating Messi and Ronaldo

Even the most die-hard Liverpool supporters could be forgiven for knowing very little about academy star Harry Wilson. The teenage winger is some way short of representing the first team but on Tuesday night he made history by becoming the youngest ever player to represent Wales at 16 years and 208 days.

In doing so, he broke the previous record which was held by Gareth Bale, who was 16 years and 315 days old when he was awarded his first cap against Trindad and Tobago back in May 2006.

Wilson would make his debut in the 1-1 draw with Belgium, coming on after 87 minutes to end England's potential interest in him. Wales boss Chris Coleman was aware of interest from across the border but made it clear that he believed the youngster was simply already good enough to play for his country.

It wasn't just us wanting Harry Wilson's services. We know that," Coleman told the BBC. "We spoke with his parents on Friday and they said he wanted to play for Wales which is great.

"He's been brilliant in training. He is full of enthusiasm and has shown some lovely touches. If he fulfils his potential there is another good player on our hands. Now he has had a little taste of it, that cements his future with Wales for the next 10 or 15 years."

Wilson also broke Raheem Sterling's record at Liverpool for becoming the club's youngest ever international and he will undoubtedly be keen to emulate the England winger who has regularly featured in the first team under Brendan Rodgers.

The teenager has already had to deal with comparisons to Real Madrid winger Bale, not just because he broke his record, but also due to the fact he is a left winger with bags of pace, plenty of ability and massive acceleration even with the ball at his feet.

He has been at Liverpool since Under-9 level and featured heavily for the U18s last season as he looked to make an impact and catch the eye of Rodgers.

Despite his comparisons with Bale he admits that it is a current Manchester United winger that remains his hero.

"I'm a Welsh winger, so Ryan Giggs was an obvious hero when I was a kid," Wilson told Bleacher Report earlier this summer, before revealing his younger idols. "These days I look a lot to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm attack-minded and love getting forward."

Like many modern day wingers Wilson sees himself playing in a front three as he believes he has the ability to play on either flank. Something that is sure to impress first team boss Rodgers.

"Since Brendan Rodgers took over, the youth team plays to the shape of the first team. We go with a 4-3-3, with me playing as one of the top wide players. I'm left-footed, but can play on either side of that formation," added Wilson.

"We had the chance to train with a few first team players a couple of weeks ago-the likes of Kolo Toure and Philippe Coutinho. The big difference you notice is how the tempo changes. Everything happens so quickly."

Liverpool fans will also be pleased to hear that Wilson already has a grasp of the rivalry that runs with Mancherster United after watching the first team in action against David Moyes' side earlier this season.

"It's always great to beat United," admitted Wilson. "The rivalry runs all the way from the first team to the youth ranks and we feel it every time we're up against them."

It appears Wales' supply chain just keeps on producing. Tottenham and Manchester United have previously been the beneficiaries thanks to Bale and Giggs. But perhaps it will be Liverpool who can this time capitalise on having one of Wales' finest exports.