‘Brilliant’ 18-year-old scores stunner as Liverpool youngsters rout Arsenal, he’s a ‘real No.9’

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool youngsters had a night to remember on Saturday as they pummelled Arsenal 7-1 in the FA Youth Cup.

Arsenal are well-known as having one of the finest academy’s in English football. But this evening, the Reds showed them what they’re made of by pulling off a stunning result. Remarkably, the goals were spread between just three scorers for Liverpool.

In truth, the night belonged to young Lewis Koumas. The 18-year-old could soon be earing first-team recognition after registering a hat-trick tonight.

Wing-wizard Trent Kone-Doherty bagged himself two, with Jayden Danns also helping himself to a double.

And despite Koumas’ three goals, it was Danns who possibly got the pick of the bunch. As seen in a post from account LFCTikiTaka on X, one of the 18-year-old’s two strikes was a sumptuous free-kick.

Stepping up very centrally, Danns slams the ball over the wall and into the top right-hand corner. Pick that one out.

Danns continues to impress

It has been an excellent season for Danns so far. It was only in November that U21s coach Barry Lewtas had this to say about the young striker.

“Dannsy has been brilliant for the 18s. He’s scored goals, all different types of goals and he’s looked like a real No.9.”

This was not the kind of finish you’d typically expect from a ‘real No,9,’ but it does showcase Danns’ ability to score different kinds of goals.

There is of course a huge difference between doing this in-front of a small crowd at the AXA Training Centre and executing it in the first-team. But finishing is a skill that sometimes you either have or you don’t. Danns clearly has it.

Obviously, Liverpool’s team is just about as hard to get into now as it ever has been. But the rise of Jarell Quansah this season has shown that it is still possible for these youngsters to make their mark.

In terms of a striker coming through the academy, it has been a real while. While we were spoiled in the 90’s with Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, it has now been decades since the last true success story.

Perhaps Danns can be that man. You never want to put too much pressure on youngsters, but these are positive signs.

With Koumas also showing what he’s got, Klopp might soon be unable to ignore the young gunslingers coming through the ranks. Keep up the great work, Jayden!