Liverpool’s Keyrol Figueroa has had perhaps the most important week of his career yet, as he seeks to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a Premier League regular.

Make no mistake, this meant a lot to Figueroa.

With a rain-soaked shirt sticking to his chest in the stormy surroundings of the Kirkby academy, Liverpool’s young striker let out a roar after scoring the U21s’ third against Everton.

At first, the reaction may have seemed slightly over the top. However, upon speaking to Figueroa after his mini-derby hat-trick, it becomes apparent this had been a cry formed from life on the periphery.

A humble figure, the 19-year-old beams with his match ball as he declares the day “a proud moment” and receives congratulations from Trey Nyoniwho has come across from the first team to watch.

While his talent is obvious, Figueroa’s path to this point in his young career hasn’t been all plain sailing.

“It’s been hard, especially with the situation that’s been going on with me not playing sometimes and it’s questionable what my future’s going to be like,” the forward tells This Is Anfield.

“But I take every moment in my stride and I’m so proud that I got this moment and the opportunity.”

The beneficiary from injuries

Figueroa started only four U21s league matches last season, scoring just two goals in all competitions.

With Jayden Dance returning from injury and the highly-rated Will Wright arriving, he was left pondering his future over the summer.

However, injuries to the two main strikers have left Figueroa with a chance to make his mark – something he has certainly accomplished in the past week.

A good performance in Liverpool U19s’ 5-4 win over Eintracht Frankfurt was followed by a derby hat-trick as the young Reds beat Everton 4-1 on Sunday.

On Wednesday he was named in the first-team squad for the first time in any capacity for the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

New U21s head coach Rob Page has boosted Figueroa’s confidence considerably, as the youngster explains: “The manager has given me a lot of belief in showing my talent and it’s a proud moment.

“When I came in, I had a lot of different solutions that I needed and Rob gave me them.

“He has seen my potential and he spoke to me and said that I’m good on the ball, I’m a fantastic striker, we’ll have everyone else work for that, and just get yourself in the box and be that lethal, ruthless No. 9.

“He always says in the meetings about having energy, being disciplined and being ruthless. Those are his core anchors and he tells us all the time that’s what we need before the game.”

Page admits that it has been difficult for Figueroa who has had to wait for his chance.

“(Danns took his spot) at the start of the season off the back of Figgy having a great pre-season and probably being the top scorer in the pre-season,” the former Wales boss says.

“So it is hard for a player, especially a centre-forward, when you are in a rich vein of form like he was after pre-season, and then you don’t get the jersey to start the season.

“All I can say to that is his reaction has been exemplary. Even now, he is crediting the other players and his parents for his hat-trick. He is such a humble guy and that is what you want to work with.

“Because of that, he has got a chance of making a great career in the game. He’s a great lad and we have got some good boys in there as well.”

The influence of his father, Maynor Figueroa

As Page mentions, Figueroa is always quick to credit his parents when asked about the influential figures in his life.

He has previously described his father, Maynor Figueroa, who won the FA Cup with Wigan and played 181 times for Honduras, as his footballing idol.

“My dad has given me tough nights sometimes but that is only because he knows I can be better,” Keyrol reveals.

“Today, all my parents were here, my family. Watching them seeing my performance is a proud moment.

“Every time I scored I looked back at them and celebrated, because it wasn’t just my win, it’s their as well. It speaks for itself how much my family are important to me.”

Inspired by Sturridge, Suarez and Harry Kane

Having represented the USA at U17s, U19s and now U20s level due to him growing up there while his father played in the MLS, Figueroa is a striker with plenty of potential.

A sharp finisher and good with his back to goal, the attacker has big ambition and uses some of Liverpool’s best forwards as inspiration, having been at the club since he was 12 years old.

He says: “I like being myself but I go back to Liverpool back in the days when Daniel Sturridge was around – obviously I watched him (and) Luis Suarez.

“Besides Liverpool, one of my favourite strikers is Karim Benzema. Didier Drogba, Harry Kane as well.

“I know that Alex (Inglethorpe, academy director) used to work with (Kane), he used to always give me tips about that so I just take on information as it goes.”

The heights that his idols reached are still some way off for Figueroa, but this past week could be a key rung on the ladder as he attempts to attract attention for a first-team call-up or January loan move.