U18 head coach Simon Wiles of Liverpool during the U18 Premier League game at Liverpool FC Academy on November 29, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)placeholder image
U18 head coach Simon Wiles of Liverpool during the U18 Premier League game at Liverpool FC Academy on November 29, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The teenager came off the bench as Liverpool under-18s suffered a heavy defeat.
Liverpool under-18s suffered a resounding 7-0 loss to Manchester United at the AXA Training Centre.
The young Reds were well beaten by United’s youngsters in the U18 Premier League North clash.
But the most interesting perspective from Liverpool’s end is that they handed a debut to a teenager playing well above his age group. In the 84th minute, Luca Eden came off the bench. The midfielder, who hails from the Wirral, is still only aged 14 and is part of the under-15s set-up. There was also a full bow for Max Howden, who is part of the under-16s set-up. Hawkins played 90 minutes in defence for Simon Wiles’ side.
However, there was no Josh Abe featuring for the Reds. The 15-year-old winger has made five appearances for the under-18s this campaign, producing two goals and two assists. Abe has reportedly attracted interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal ahead of reaching scholarship age next season. He would be able to leave Liverpool for a cut-price fee if he does not opt to pen a contract.
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