2024 UK Open: Luke Littler Responds to Jurgen Klopp’s Comparisons to Liverpool’s Young Talent

After securing a remarkable 10-7 victory over James Wade in the fourth round of the 2024 Ladbrokes UK Open, Luke Littler reflected on his journey and aspirations. Expressing his delight post-match with SportsBoom.com, Littler shared, "It's what I dreamed of playing in front of thousands of thousands, week in, week out. I’m just taking it in my stride."

In a significant revelation, Littler shed light on his evolving preferences in dart finishes, revealing, "I actually used to prefer two 16s, but now I’ve been hitting a few bull finishes, and I’ll always go double 10 now because that’s what I like." This insight into his strategic approach underscores Littler's adaptability and growing confidence in his game. 

Notably, pundits and fellow peers such as Target teammate Nathan Aspinall have lauded Littler as possibly the best double 10 hitter globally, surpassing even James Wade, a renowned master of that finish. Despite such praise, Littler remains modest, refraining from direct comparisons with Wade, a stalwart in the sport and one of the finest practitioners of the double 10. This humility reflects Littler's grounded nature and his steadfast focus on continuous improvement rather than comparisons with established legends of the game.

Additionally, when asked about van Gerwen's elimination from the tournament, Littler remained composed, stating, “I’ve not even thought about it. I'm just a 17-year-old kid doing what he loves.” 

Despite the significance of van Gerwen's absence and his recent dominance over Littler with a three-game winning streak, Littler's response reflects his humility and maturity. He refuses to dwell on past defeats or revel in the misfortune of others, instead maintaining his focus on his own performance and progression in the tournament. 

In a surprising twist, Littler addressed comparisons made by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, likening him to the emerging talents in the football world. Reflecting on this, Littler remarked, "Even though I’m Man Utd, I actually watched the final and the young lads there are doing well for themselves, just like I am." 

Despite the playful comparison, Littler's response demonstrates a gracious acknowledgment of the talents displayed by Liverpool's young players, such as Jayden Danns, affectionately dubbed 'the Liverpool Littler'. He extends a humorous invitation for Klopp and the players to embrace the comparison if they wish, showcasing Littler's humility and sense of humour in embracing unexpected parallels between his own journey and that of Liverpool's rising stars.

In doing so, Littler's response not only highlights his humility but also underscores the impact he has had, transcending the realm of darts to draw comparisons in one of the most widely watched sports in the world, football.

Image credit: PDC