Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Brighton could see a number of youngsters feature for the Reds.
The cup has traditionally been a time for academy talents to be given their chances, with the likes of Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Kieran Morrison all hoping to be involved at Anfield.
But while they may not be lucky enough to see their dreams realised on Saturday, there are plenty more talented young players within the Liverpool academy.
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Perhaps the most exciting of these is 15-year-old Josh Abe, who has been turning heads with the U18s this season.
Abe has already been in first-team training in 2026, and after hitting a glorious hat-trick against Leeds U18s on Saturday, he is coming closer and closer to the senior picture.
Josh Abe lays down a marker before Brighton
Clearly, having been involved for the U18s on Saturday, Abe will not be playing for Liverpool‘s first-team on the same day.
Slot has admitted his young players may have to be patient during the FA Cup clash anyway, with Brighton expected to offer stiff opposition.
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But had he been on the fence about including Abe for further sessions with the first-team, then Slot has been given a very clear message by the teenager.
He is clearly far too good for the level he is playing at, and although that does not always translate into success in men’s football, Abe appears well equipped for a career at the top level.
Three more goals on Saturday on a day where the youth team are expected to make a bigger-than-usual impact, and Slot surely cannot ignore this burgeoning talent any longer.
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Who else scored for the U18s on Saturday?
Saturday was an excellent day for Simon Wiles’ U18s team as they battered Leeds United 6-1 at the AXA Training Centre.
As well as Abe, Lucas Clarke, Josh Sonni-Lambie and Prince Cisse scored to record a handsome victory for the young Reds.
Sonni-Lambie is another who could soon make a first-team impact, while many supporters will be keen to see Cisse follow in the footsteps of his father, Djibril at Anfield.
But while there are big talents coming to the fore throughout Wiles’ squad, Abe remains the star of the show. As exciting as that is, Liverpool must make sure they give him the pathway to the first-team he needs or risk losing him at the end of the season.
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