Liverpool’s next generation proved that age is just a number — and class is permanent — as they stunned Manchester City 3-2 in the U18 Premier League North on Saturday.
It was a game filled with drama, goals, and one teenage star who stole the headlines.
At just 15 years old, Joshua Abe lit up the City Football Academy with a fearless display. Making only his third appearance at this level, the young winger scored his first goal for the U18s and set up another in a match that had Liverpool fans buzzing about the club’s bright future.
A new name shines at the Etihad Campus
It took Liverpool less than ten minutes to find their rhythm. Abe, full of confidence, sprinted down the right flank and delivered a low cross that found Josh Sonni-Lambie at the far post. The 17-year-old striker calmly tapped home to give the Reds an early lead.
City hit back almost instantly through Floyd Samba, but the young Reds refused to fold. The game swung from end to end, with both sides hitting the woodwork and goalkeepers called into action.
Then, just after the hour mark, Abe was in the right place at the right time. When Sonni-Lambie’s shot was parried, the teenager reacted fastest, firing the rebound into the top corner for 2-1.
But this was no easy ride. City equalized once again through Jake Wain, setting up a tense finale. The hosts pushed for a winner and even struck the post twice — but Liverpool had one final trick up their sleeve.
ALSO READ: Mo Salah could join an elite Premier League club in Liverpool vs. Man Utd
Late magic seals a famous win for Liverpool
With just five minutes left, substitute Haydn Murray-Holme played a perfect long ball over the top. Sonni-Lambie raced through, spotted the keeper off his line, and coolly lobbed the ball into the net to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The win ended City’s unbeaten start to the season and moved Liverpool within touching distance of the league summit. For manager Simon Wiles, it was a statement of intent — and for young Joshua Abe, it was a moment he’ll never forget.
Liverpool’s academy continues to live up to its reputation: developing not just players for the future, but stars for the present. The next stop? Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Youth League — and you can bet all eyes will be on the 15-year-old wonderkid.
ALSO READ: What Arne Slot plans to do with Florian Wirtz ‘to get the best out of him