Will Wright scored his second UEFA Youth League hat-trick as Liverpool Under-19s continued their unbeaten European campaign with a 5-3 win over Fenerbahce at Pendik Stadium on Wednesday.
Josh Sonni-Lambie and Finn Inglethorpe also struck for Rob Page's side as they delivered a convincing performance in Istanbul. The win was Liverpool's second in the competition.
Wright's match-winning display
Wright, the Liverpool captain, plundered another away-day hat-trick to take his tally to 13 for the campaign across all competitions. His first goal came inside three minutes when his header squirmed through the goalkeeper's grasp, before he registered another from the penalty spot shortly after.
Sonni-Lambie, who won the spot kick, was affronted by the sight of Wright assuming responsibility initially, resulting in a regrettable on-field spat that could have been avoided. Manager Rob Page later played down the flashpoint.
Wright completed his second successive hat-trick on the road in the Youth League after impressive work from Luca Eden, a 15-year-old midfielder. The post-match chatter involving sporting director Julian Ward, who was at Pendik Stadium for the game, centred around the hat-trick hero.
Eden impresses again
Eden made another step in the right direction after becoming the youngest scorer in the Reds' Youth League history when he registered against LASK last month. The 15-year-old was once more excellent in the centre of the park, relishing the midfield battle in the torrential downpour on Pendik Stadium.
Eden played a big part in helping Liverpool establish their early dominance, and his surging run and pass for Wright's third was a touch of class. The Wirral-born midfielder looks so at ease at this level.
O'Connor shines at right-back
Oliver O'Connor, who has been at the club since the age of six, showcased why he looks so at home at right-back during the wild 5-3 win. He played in a number of inviting balls in the first half and was constantly looking to burst into advanced areas to supply the telling pass to the likes of Wright and Sonni-Lambie.
O'Connor had a couple of well-struck free-kicks that were saved and provided a timely interception in the first half as Fenerbahce sensed a way back into the game. The versatile operator may be preferred in more advanced positions by Page, but when called upon at right full-back here, he was excellent.
