Will Wright scored twice as Liverpool U21s thrashed Brighton U21s 5-1, the only negative being another injury suffered by Isaac Mabaya.
Liverpool U21s 5-1 Brighton U21s
Premier League 2, Kirkby Academy
September 19, 2026
Goals: Sonni-Lambie 2′, Laffey 11′, Wright 25′ 50′, Outen (og.) 66′; Joseph 45+5′
After Monday’s 1-0 defeat at West Ham, and with a trip to Rochdale in the EFL Trophy to come on Tuesday, coach Rob Page made two changes.
In the No. 10 position, Josh Sonni-Lambie replaced Jayden Danns, while Prince Cisse partnered Mor Talla Ndiaye at the back instead of Wellity Lucky.
Brighton had a couple of familiar names in their side: Valentin Joseph started and scored. He is the brother of Vincent Joseph, who had his move from Liverpool to Arsenal confirmed this week.
Rio Ferdinand’s sons, Tate and Lorenz, were also both in the Brighton squad, with the former playing at centre-back and Lorenz sitting on the bench as backup goalkeeper.
Isaac Mabaya injured while setting up early opener
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 30, 2026: Liverpool's Isaac Mabaya during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Leeds United FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 30, 2026: Liverpool's Isaac Mabaya during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Leeds United FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool under-21s were on it from the first whistle against Brighton, scoring in just the second minute through Josh Sonni-Lambie, who converted from a low Isaac Mabaya cross.
Unfortunately, Mabaya, who missed much of last season through injury, hurt what appeared to be his groin while setting up his teammate.
The problem forced the right-back off and means he will likely miss out on an international break that promised a senior debut for Zimbabwe.
In Mabaya’s absence, Ollie O’Connor moved to right-back and Joe Bradshaw switched wings, allowing substitute Afolami Onanuga to play on the left.
The alterations didn’t affect the Reds, though.
Will Wright runs riot
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Eleven minutes in, Michael Laffey won the ball back and found Wright. The striker then showed quick feet and presence of mind to return the ball to his captain, who finished from close range.
Laffey and Wright were again involved for Liverpool’s third. The former tackled an opponent in midfield and gave the ball to Joe Bradshaw, who played an excellent pass with the outside of his foot for Wright to run on to.
The striker subsequently cut inside and powered a fantastic shot into the far corner of the net from 25 yards out.
Liverpool were looking potent in attack, but Brighton ensured they wouldn’t leave with a clean sheet as the former Red, Joseph, pulled one back just before the break.
Some hit from Will Wright ??? pic.twitter.com/KIJ5LQa3yc
— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) September 19, 2026
Half time: Liverpool U21s 3-1 Brighton U21s
Despite the visitors’ goal, Liverpool’s dominance continued after half time and Wright produced another great finish, opening his body up to place the ball into the far corner after a fantastic turn on the edge of the box.
The Reds’ fifth came shortly after, when Theo Outen headed the ball into his own net from a dangerous inswinging corner by Alvin Ayman.
Danns came on for the last 35 minutes and looked sharp, linking well with Wright, picking him out with a perfect cross that his striker partner should have turned home.
As the game calmed down, Brighton had more of the ball but only threatened once, forcing goalkeeper Bailey Hall into a phenomenal reflex save from just a couple of yards out.
If he plays, Hall should expect to be far more involved when Liverpool U21s travel to Rochdale in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
Liverpool U21s: Hall; Mabaya (Onanuga 5′), Cisse, Ndiaye, Ayman; Upton, Laffey; O’Connor, Sonni-Lambie, Bradshaw (Danns 56′); W. Wright
Subs not used: M. Wright, Lucky, Trueman, Cowley, P. Farkas, Danns
Next Match: Rochdale (A) – EFL Trophy – Tuesday, September 22, 7pm, (BST)
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NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool substitutes Alexis Mac Allister and Víctor Muñoz (R) preparing to come on during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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