‘We’re really pleased’: Liverpool believe it’s 18-year-old’s ‘turn this year’ after his latest hat-trick

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Liverpool believes it’s Oakley Cannonier’s ‘turn this year’ after his hat-trick against Ajax. The 18-year-old could be something special.

Oakley Cannonier scored for fun last season as he bagged 28 goals for the Under 18s. That understandably saw him step up a level and he’s now with the Under 21s.

That brings its own challenges. Layton Stewart is the primary striker at that level, meaning Cannonier isn’t starting in Premier League 2. Instead, he’s getting his chances in the UEFA Youth League.

Cannonier is taking them, too. He scored in the 2-1 win over Napoli on the opening day and then made headlines with a hat-trick against Ajax in midweek. That provided the bulk of a 4-0 win and showed just how dangerous the striker can be in front of goal.

Under 21s coach Barry Lewtas, who also coaches the Under 19s in Europe, believes that’s a sign of Cannonier having ‘his turn’ at making waves this year.

“That extra step up is a step up but he’s finding his way and it’s really nice,” Lewtas told the Liverpool Echo. “I felt like last season when we played Jarell Quansah and Billy Koumetio together at centre-back in the 19s, it showcased their talents. It’s Oakley’s turn this year.

“Sometimes when you move up it can be difficult and it’s the same for Oakley. He trains very well, we’ve known he’s going to play these games and he took his goals really well. We’re really pleased with him.”

Oakley Cannonier’s hat-trick

Well, it sounds as though we’ll see a lot more of Cannonier in the Youth League. He’ll have four more games to show what he can do but he’s finishing the Group Stage with at least four goals. Any more than that will seriously raise eyebrows at Liverpool.

The youngster is still only 18, of course, and has a long way to go. He wouldn’t be the first kid to tear things up at youth level and then falter when he moves up an age group.

But going from Under 18 football to Under 19 football isn’t easy – especially as the latter is against some of the best youth teams in Europe. Cannonier being able to batter Ajax is a wonderful sign that he has no trouble moving up levels.

The Under 21s will be the real test, of course, and the striker must wait on that. But he continues to give us reasons to get excited about his talent. Liverpool may have a special one here.