Andoni Iraola handed two players their Liverpool debuts in the pre-season friendly victory over Wrexham in New York
Liverpool continued their positive start to pre-season under Andoni Iraola with a 1-0 victory over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday night.
Rio Ngumoha’s deflected second-half strike proved decisive in a match that offered another opportunity for the Reds’ younger players to impress before several senior internationals return to the squad.
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The friendly was played less than 24 hours after Liverpool endured significant travel disruption, with poor weather delaying the team’s arrival in New York. Despite the logistical setback and an experimental starting line-up, Liverpool secured a second successive pre-season win following last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Sunderland.
While Ngumoha’s winning goal settled the contest, the evening also provided another glimpse into the depth of Liverpool’s academy.
Iraola once again trusted several young players, continuing his assessment of the club’s emerging talent during the club’s tour of the United States.
One of the standout selections was 16-year-old Joshua Abe, who was handed his first senior start and full Liverpool debut by Iraola.
The highly rated winger lined up alongside Lewis Koumas and Calum Scanlon in an inexperienced front three, becoming the latest academy graduate to receive an opportunity under the new head coach.
Abe almost marked his debut with an early goal after Harvey Elliott’s through ball sent him clear of the Wrexham defence. However, a heavy first touch allowed former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward to smother the chance before the teenager could apply the finish.
Despite that missed opportunity, Abe showed flashes of his pace and attacking threat throughout the first half.
The youngster has been regarded as one of Liverpool’s brightest academy prospects for some time. Earlier this summer, he committed his long-term future to the club after attracting interest from several Premier League rivals, signing scholarship terms with a professional contract expected to follow when he turns 17.
Iraola also handed a senior debut to Sonni Lambi, who came off the bench during the second half to make his first appearance for Liverpool’s first team.
The academy forward joined the action as part of a series of substitutions, adding another milestone to his rapid progress after being included in the club’s pre-season tour squad.
Sonni Lambi travelled to the United States after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign at academy level, where he scored 21 goals across all competitions for Liverpool’s Under-18 side.
With several established first-team players still building fitness after their post-World Cup breaks and others unavailable through injury or illness, Liverpool’s youngsters have been given valuable minutes against senior opposition during the club’s pre-season schedule.
Liverpool’s tour of the United States continues with a meeting against Leeds United on 2 August before returning to Anfield for friendlies against Monaco and Como.
Joshua Abe
Liverpool 1-0 Wrexham
Sonni Lambi