Lee Clark makes it clear who the better player is - him or his son Bobby Clark - in easy decision

In the following season, he made a dozen appearances for the first-team, including a memorable 48-minute stint in the 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. There were high hopes for his future with Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot, but an unexpected opportunity arose to sign permanently for Red Bull Salzburg. The £10m transfer deal, which includes a 17.5% sell-on clause, reunited him with Pepijn Lijnders, Klopp's Assistant at Liverpool. At just 19 years old, he now has the chance to become a key player for a club that values youth and competes in the Champions League.

A trophy and pace: the two things Bobby Clark has that dad doesn't

“That’s an easy one,” Lee Clark tells FourFourTwo when pressed on who was better at that age. “Bobby’s the better footballer. He’s got everything I had in terms of application, work ethic, fitness and a good passing range, but he is more physically imposing than me and has a lot more pace, which is a huge asset in the modern game.

“He broke through last season and has already won one more major honour than his old man, but only time will tell if he goes on to have the career I believe he is capable of having. I was fortunate to be involved with some very good teams and play at a high level for many years, but let’s face it: if Bobby carries on the way he’s started, he’s going to have a great career and win a lot more medals along the way.”

Both were 17 when they made their debuts, and both were highly rated England youth internationals, but Lee certainly had the tougher introduction to football. “I was 17 when Jim Smith gave me my debut, though Newcastle weren’t in the top flight at the time.

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“Under Ossie Ardiles I was fortunate to play regularly alongside good friends who also came through the ranks – lads like Steve Watson, Steve Howey, Alan Thompson and Robbie Elliott. Bobby’s had a similar pathway, playing with a few familiar faces from the Liverpool Academy, and it certainly helps.”

His football journey has taken an intriguing detour, but with a familiar face helping him navigate the game, it will be fascinating to see where he can take things next.

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