Josh Sonni-Lambie’s terrific form for Liverpool’s U18s finally saw him step up an age group this weekend.
The 18-year-old has been lethal while playing for the academy this season, hitting 16 goals in the U18s Premier League.
His emergence has not gone unnoticed by Liverpool fans, who have earmarked Sonni-Lambie as one to watch for a potential future in the first-team. On Sunday, the youngster took a first step towards that dream as he turned out for the U21s.
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Sonni-Lambie makes U21s league debut
The Liverpool academy has been a big focal point this season as supporters question why Arne Slot is not making more use out of the young players at his disposal.
It has been clear for a while that there are some really promising players coming through the ranks, with Sonni-Lambie one of the most eye-catching this term.
He deserved his promotion to Rob Page’s U21 side, and made his first Premier League 2 start during Sunday’s away match with Crystal Palace.
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Sadly, things did not go to plan for the young Reds as they went down to a 5-1 defeat.
Still, it was a big step in the right direction for Sonni-Lambie, who played 80 minutes before being replaced by 19-year-old Kareem Ahmed.
Sonni-Lambie has likened himself to Luis Diaz
Sonni-Lambie’s ascension to the U21s is a clear sign that he is rated highly internally at Liverpool.
As they search to add attackers to the first-team squad this summer, they will hopefully consider the pathway to the first-team for him.
One thing Liverpool are likely to do in the market, is finally look for a replacement for Luis Diaz. Although he is not ready for full first-team exposure, Sonni-Lambie hinted in an interview with Liverpoolfc.com in April 2025 that he rather models his game on the Reds’ former Colombian favourite.
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“He’s not really my position but I look up to Luis Diaz,” he said at the time. “He’s a very skilful player and he just excites me a lot. Just the way he can take on his man.
“I’ve always played in an attacking position. I used to play as a central attacking midfielder and I can also play off the left wing. But I’ve always been an attacking player.
“My best qualities I would say are definitely dribbling, driving with the ball and combining with my teammates in and around the box.”
After Sunday’s milestone moment, Liverpool fans may be one big step closer to seeing those qualities in the first-team.
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