Liverpool academy striker Josh Sonni-Lambie showed off his finishing prowess while competing against Steve McManaman this week.
The youngster has been one of the standout performers in the Reds’ youth team this season, hitting 19 goals for the U18s.
Sonni-Lambie was recently promoted to the U21s and challenged McManaman in a video released by Liverpool this week, with the former Reds winger impressed by what he saw.
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Sonni-Lambie gets the better of McManaman
As shown on the Liverpool YouTube channel, McManaman joined the youngsters at the Reds’ academy to take part in a session.
A shooting challenge ensued, with the 54-year-old pitted directly against Sonni-Lambie in attempting six different types of finishes.
The 18-year-old netted five of his six efforts, including a lovely dinked finish over the goalkeeper, while McManaman scored four out of six.
“He was the best,” raved the Scouser at the end of the challenge. “Even the age I am I’m still learning how to strike a ball properly, like this fella.”
Josh Sonni-Lambie scores a penalty for Liverpool U18s during the match against Leeds United
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Sonni-Lambie should get summer chance with Liverpool
With Liverpool struggling in attacking areas currently, there is an argument that Arne Slot should be looking at using the most talented youngsters at his disposal, of which Sonni-Lambie is definitely one.
However, there is little sense in throwing such a young player into a dysfunctional team.
Instead, Slot – or whoever is Liverpool’s manager this pre-season – should be looking at getting Sonni-Lambie involved during the summer friendlies.
With most of the first-team squad away at the World Cup, the Reds will have to supplement their options with young talents. As McManaman is now fully aware, Sonni-Lambie deserves his chance in that scenario, and if he can catch the eye, who knows what next season could hold for him.
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