Liverpool prospect scores hattrick to beat Ajax U19s 4-0, 18-year-old had 28 goals last season

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Oakley Cannonier scores a hattrick as Liverpool Under 19s beat Ajax Under 19s 4-0 in the UEFA Youth League. The 18-year-old continues to shine.

Liverpool Under 19s looked to continue their UEFA Youth League campaign on Tuesday after beating Napoli away last week. This time it was Ajax in Kirky – and things went wonderfully.

The Reds beat Ajax’s academy side 4-0 in a fine performance. There was a clear standout star, though, as Oakley Cannonier scored a hattrick.

The 18-year-old showed fantastic instincts to score three poachers’ goals. The first came from a wonderful cutback, allowing a first-time finish in the first half.

Cannonier found a second after the break as Liverpool forced a turnover with a high press on the goalkeeper. The ball found its way to the no.9, who took a touch around the penalty spot and fired home.

Goal number three was the easiest of the lot. A good pass into the Ajax box was deflected to Cannonier, who tapped into an empty net. With that, the striker had his first European hattrick.

Lewis Koumas found a very late fourth after Liverpool came close on several occasions. He’s another youngster who continues to shine.

Oakley Cannonier scores a hattrick

Cannonier stepped up to the Under 21s this season after a 28-goal season with the Under 18s last term. He hasn’t really had too many opportunities at that level yet, though – only the one start in Premier League 2.

But he’s undoubtedly the main man in the UEFA Youth League. Cannonier scored against Napoli last week in the 2-1 win and was the decisive player against Ajax here.

While it remains to be seen if he can deliver for the Under 21s, there’s little doubt that Liverpool have a natural goalscorer here. Cannonier finds himself in the right place at the right time with consistency and has little trouble finding the net.

If he continues to score in Europe like this, we’ll see Cannonier rise up the ranks quickly, though. Last season certainly wasn’t a fluke and the 18-year-old remains one to watch at the Liverpool academy.