Will Wright scored the first hat-trick of his Liverpool career as the U19s came from two goals down to beat LASK 3-2 in the UEFA Youth League in Austria on Wednesday. The 18-year-old now has nine goals in eight appearances this season, strengthening his case for a first-team debut under Andoni Iraola.
LASK led 2-0 after 57 minutes through Paul Krapf and Jonas Ilk, making the most of their extra height and Liverpool's uncertainty in defending set-pieces. Luca Ortner then hit the crossbar with only goalkeeper Bailey Hall to beat, and the ball was cleared to Luca Eden, who slipped a pass in for Wright to finish underneath home keeper Christof Katzmayr.
Wright's hat-trick seals comeback
Three minutes later, Finn Inglethorpe crossed from the left for Wright to head home from close range. Wright then converted a penalty in the 89th minute, sending Katzmayr the wrong way after an earlier confrontation in which both players were booked.
Wright also helped create Liverpool's third goal, keeping alive a cross from Erik Farkas and inviting Eden to net. Scorer or creator, Wright is the team's talisman at this level right now.
Eden sets another record
Eden, who became Liverpool's youngest-ever player in the UEFA Youth League when starting against Atletico Madrid last month, became their youngest goalscorer in the competition with his goal at the Voestalpine Stadion. The 15-year-old joined the likes of Arsenal's Max Dowman, Manchester City's Rayan Cherki and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch on the overall list.
Eden had to tread carefully after being booked for a late challenge that left Ortner requiring lengthy treatment. His searching pass through the lines for Wright helped create Liverpool's first goal, and his energy and enthusiasm meant it was no surprise he was on hand to notch the pivotal third.
Substitutes make the difference
With Josh Sonni-Lambie and Wellity Lucky called up to the senior squad for their Champions League clash in Linz later in the day, Inglethorpe made his first UEFA Youth League start, employed behind main striker Wright. While he couldn't be faulted for effort, he found it difficult to make much of an impression given Liverpool's wayward first-half showing, but his assist for the Reds' second continued his record of goal contributions.
Oliver O'Connor moved to right-back in a reshuffled team at the break and responded with an outstanding second half that pushed back LASK. Substitutes AJ Yeguo and Erik Farkas both made a difference from the bench, with Farkas putting in the cross to initiate the third while Yeguo's forceful run won a somewhat charitable penalty to seal the win.
Liverpool now have four points from two games and stand inside the top 10 in the UEFA Youth League table. Their next game in the competition is against Villarreal at Kirkby next Tuesday, kick-off 3pm.
