Liverpool teenage striker Will Wright scored for the under-21s in the 1-1 mini-derby draw at Goodison Park on Friday night, continuing his strong form from the end of the previous Premier League 2 season.
The 18-year-old, who joined from Salford City last August, described the strike as "definitely one of my favourites!" and added: "Hopefully it's the first of many this season and I can keep kicking on and get more."
US tour experience
Wright was called up by new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola for the United States tour, featuring in wins against Sunderland in Nashville and Wrexham at the Yankee Stadium in New York.
"It was great, what a great opportunity to play alongside those players," said Wright. "I loved every minute of it. I am so thankful to the gaffer for including me and starting me, and involving me in all the games."
He added: "The crowds were massive, although playing in a baseball stadium was a bit of a weird one! I really enjoyed it."
Recovery and form
Wright made his first-team friendly debut at Anfield against Athletic Bilbao, replacing Florian Wirtz, but suffered a knee injury minutes into his UEFA Youth League debut against Atletico Madrid that ruled him out for more than three months.
On his second Premier League 2 appearance since returning in January, he scored one goal and created two others in the 7-0 thrashing of Arsenal. In his final seven outings, he contributed five strikes and three assists.
"The end of last season showed what I was about," said Wright. "When I first came in, maybe I wasn't settled or adapted at first, but the injury was maybe an opportunity to get settled and get comfortable."
First-team ambitions
His displays earned him a place on the first-team bench for four of the final five Premier League games of the campaign under former boss Arne Slot, including trips to Manchester United and Chelsea at Anfield.
"It was a dream come true, really," he said. "Not many 18-year-olds can say they have been on the bench in the Premier League. Arne has gone now, but I am so thankful for him."
Wright has trained regularly with the first team and highlighted the standard set by players like Alexander Isak and Federico Chiesa. "I have got levels to improve but it shows where I have to get to," he said.
While some Academy players are set for loan moves before the transfer deadline, Wright is expected to continue his development at Liverpool. He said: "A full debut would be great, obviously. But I'll be aiming to score over 10 goals in PL2 and keep kicking on and doing as well as I can."
