It’s Derby Day and Liverpool are set to return to Premier League action by hosting Manchester United. On Saturday, though, the U18s took on Manchester City’s U18s in what was almost a Baby Derby and is
instead an Imposter Derby.
Liverpool’s youth system are in a bit of an interesting spot. First, there’s been lots of turnover within the Academy staff, including the departure of former U18 coach Marc Bridge Wilkerson. Wilkerson oversaw the U18s for 5 years and was one of the most consistent faces in the set up.
We’ve also seen a seemingly more firm approach to player valuations under Richard Hughes and Arne Slot, who’ve overseen the departure of incredibly highly rated youth players like Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak over the past two summer windows. Which is to say that there’s a new list of players to acquaint yourself with if you’re interested in understanding how Liverpool are structuring development from within.
Like the senior team, it’s early days yet but if the thrilling result on Saturday is any indication, it looks as though the kids are alright as the Liverpool U18s beat back two comebacks from City to claim all three points. Josh Sonni-Lambie scored a brace, including the match-winner, to ensure the Reds came out on top.
Exciting times for Sonni-Lambie, who’d signed his first professional contract in February of this calendar year. And exciting for the club as well, given that along with Sonnie-Lambie, there’s also Trent Kone-Doherty as well s Jayden Danns in the attacking pipeline.
Here’s hoping the kids can continue to grow and develop into the next crop of Liverpool superstars. Up the fighting Baby Reds!
