Liverpool's U18s and U21s teams were both in action on Saturday, with mixed results and an injury setback to report on a goal-filled day of Premier League youth action
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Will Wright of Liverpool celebrates scoring Liverpool's third goal during the PL2 game at AXA Training Centre on September 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Will Wright continued his strong start to the season on Saturday afternoon
Will Wright's strong start to the new season continued earlier as the Reds' U21s hammered Brighton by five goals to one, with the former Salford man netting twice.
Alongside Wright, Josh Sonni-Lambie and Michael Laffey also scored, plus there was a Brighton own goal to cap a miserable outing for the young Seagulls. Wright's second, from around 25 yards, was especially impressive, and takes him to five goals in five games at the start of 2026/27.
It wasn't all good news for Liverpool's U21s, however. Isaac Mabaya, who made his senior debut under Arne Slot, but who has suffered from injuries for some time, seemingly picked up a groin issue while setting up the opening goal. That is a particular blow as he has been called up to play for the Zimbabwean national team.
Brighton had a couple of familiar names among its roster, with Valentin Joseph, the brother of the ex-Liverpool starlet Vincent, who signed for Arsenal this week, scoring.
Rio Ferdinand’s sons, Tate and Lorenz, also featured for Brighton. The former was playing at center-back, while the latter didn't make it off the bench as he played the role of back-up goalkeeper.
Rob Page's side takes on Rochdale on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy. Jayden Danns played around 35 minutes here, and could feature again midweek.
Will Wright of Liverpool
Will Wright of Liverpool(Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Liverpool's U18s drew 3-3 with Derby County. They trailed 2-0 and then 3-2, but fought back to earn a point from the contest.
Goals from Erik Farkas and Luca Eden saw Liverpool level things up in the first instance, before Zak Coxon was needed to repeat the trick in the 71st minute.
The Reds' U18s side takes on Stoke City next, but that game isn't until Saturday, October 10, with the break coinciding with the upcoming international break.
Earlier this week, Erik Farkas signed his first professional contract with Liverpool. "It's a really proud moment for me and my family," he told club media. "I'm just grateful and blessed to achieve something big like that."
Content Image
Content Image
Meanwhile, his older brother, Patrick, who was previously on the Reds' books, returned after spending a few years at Blackburn.
"It's a dream come true to sign here, I'm really happy and just excited to get started," Patrick Farkas said.
"I'm enjoying being back at Liverpool, there are some new faces but it's good to meet everyone and also see lots of old friends as well.
"I'm a technical player, a box-to-box player who can play in multiple positions and try to make things happen."