The teenage striker has made headlines a few times this season, but his first-half showing at the AXA Training Centre against Burnley is perhaps the biggest indication yet of Joshua Sonni-Lambie's talents
16:17, 24 Jan 2026
Joshua Sonni-Lambie scores a penalty
Joshua Sonni-Lambie scored a first-half hat-trick in Liverpool Under-18s' win over Burnley(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool youngster Josh Sonni-Lambie gave another indication of his burgeoning talent as he netted a first-half hat-trick in the Under-18s' victory over Burnley on Saturday.
The striker has enjoyed a fantastic campaign for Simon Wiles’ side and is quickly emerging as one of the brightest talents at Under-18 level. He has featured in every league match this season, playing predominantly as a No. 9, but has also shown an ability to play in a deeper role or out wide.
Saturday’s virtuoso showing in the 7-1 victory at the AXA Training Centre was not the first time Sonni-Lambie has made headlines this season, having netted from the halfway line against Stoke in the opening game of the season and starring in a UEFA Youth League win over Galatasaray in September.
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His treble in Kirkby hit new heights, however, with two converted penalties and a clinical finish near the end of the first half, completing a phenomenal opening 45 minutes for the teenager. That brings his individual tally up to 16 for the season.
Joshua Sonni-Lambie's career so far
Despite his precocious talent, the forward was something of a late bloomer and was only picked up by Liverpool at 14 when his skills were identified at a grassroots street soccer event in London.
Sonni-Lambie has confessed to being unfazed by his move north and has continued to climb the youth ranks since. He has previously represented England Under-18 and played twice for Liverpool’s Under-21s.
The youth-team prodigy is blessed with rapid pace and controlled dribbling, which makes him the focal point of Liverpool’s attacks. A sharp shooter, Sonni-Lambie has an eye for a long-range goal, which often leads to him dropping deep.
Sonni-Lambie made headlines with a first-half hat-trick against Burnley for Liverpool's Under-18s
Sonni-Lambie made headlines with a first-half hat-trick against Burnley for Liverpool's Under-18s(Image: Getty Images)
He possesses an elegant style on the ball and also links well with teammates. Describing himself in an interview with club’s website, Sonni-Lambie said: “My best qualities I would say are definitely dribbling, driving with the ball and combining with my teammates in and around the box.”
“He's not really my position, but I look up to Luis Diaz,” Sonni-Lambie added. “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.”
Sonni-Lambie first captured the attention of Liverpool.com in February 2025, the same month he signed a first professional contract with the Reds.
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“There’s a languid grace to Sonni-Lambie, who is a nimble center forward,” we reported last year. “He’s slight of frame but doesn’t lack physicality - or technical ability.
"At 17, it’s clear he already has developed a well-rounded game and is confident dropping deep or into the wide areas to create openings."
Sonni-Lambie's next steps should see him continue to climb the ranks and hopefully move up to the Under-21s.