| Villyan Bijev | |
|---|---|
| |
| Personal information | |
| Date of Birth |
3 January 1993 |
| Place of Birth |
Fresno, California, USA |
| Height |
1.83 m (6'0") |
| Position |
Forward |
| Liverpool statistics | |
| Years |
2011-2014 |
| Appearances |
0 |
| Goals |
0 |
Villyan Bijev (born 3 January 1993) is an American-Bulgarian footballer who played as a forward for the Liverpool Reserves.
Liverpool career[]
In July 2011, Liverpool invited Bijev for a trial with the Under 18s. The young forward left a great impression, netting five goals in two pre-season friendly games, earning himself a permanent switch to the Merseyside outfit in the process on a reported three-year deal with an additional two-year option. Liverpool officially announced the signing from US outfit California Odyssey on 31 August 2011. However, due to work permit issues, he was immediately loaned out to German second tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf for the season, who in turn sent Bijev to primarily compete with their B team in the German fourth tier. Upon his return to Liverpool in the summer of 2012, Bijev took part in the Reserves' pre season friendlies before securing another loan move- this time to Norwegian second tier side IK Start- again due to work permit issues.
Bijev finally secured a work permit in early 2013, and was involved in an U21s competitive matchday squad for the first time on 11 March 2013, with the young American taking his place on the bench. He made his competitive debut for the side on 3 May 2013 as a substitute in an away match with Arsenal. With Liverpool 1-0 down, Bijev scored Liverpool's equalising goal- tapping in from close range after good work from Jordon Ibe- to seal the U21's place in the semi finals of the U21 Elite League. During the 2013-14 season, Bijev netted one goal in nine games for the U21s. Most of his appearances came as a substitute. In May 2014, Liverpool released Bijev.
Bijev has been described as a "very gifted player... He has a deft touch, nose for the goal, and is deceivingly elusive for a player of his stature."