Analysing the Liverpool forward who scored from halfway line | OneFootball

Rising Trajectory of Josh Sonni-Lambie at Liverpool

Liverpool’s academy continues to nurture a stream of promising talent, and one name attracting growing attention is Josh Sonni-Lambie. As highlighted in Rob Tanner’s piece for The Athletic, the young striker has emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects within the club’s development pathway. His progress, marked by rapid adaptation and natural flair, has earned him recognition at both domestic and international youth levels.

This profile looks at the forward’s evolution, his technical traits and the key moments shaping his early rise, all while reflecting on his most recent UEFA Youth League outing.

Journey from Street Football to Kirkby

Josh Sonni-Lambie’s footballing foundations trace back to grassroots pitches in London, where he was first spotted before joining Liverpool’s academy at under-14 level. His route differs from many who progress through structured environments from an early age.

“If I had a day off, I’d just go and play football in the street with my friends,” he told LFC.com. “Street football, you just have loads of fun, a lot of skills. With street football, you just really do whatever you want. I still use a lot of skills in my game.”

That imprint remains visible in his style: confident on the ball, eager to take on defenders and often producing moments of ingenuity in tight spaces.

Since scoring his first goal for the under-18s as a 16-year-old in the 2023-24 campaign, he has climbed steadily through the ranks. His following season brought 12 goals at under-18 level, capped with a breakthrough for England under-18s, where he registered two goals in five appearances. Liverpool rewarded this momentum with his first professional contract in February.

This season has seen further expansion of his output: ten goals in 18 matches across competitions, including his maiden European strike against Galatasaray and a memorable long-range effort against Stoke City. He also made his debut for the under-21s in the Vertu Trophy, signalling confidence from the club in his continued progression.

Assessment from Youth League Action

Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League meeting with PSV offered a challenging backdrop for attacking players, with conditions hindering fluidity. Sonni-Lambie, substituted after 69 minutes, was unable to add to his season tally, but aspects of his game still stood out.

His instinct to drop into pockets and link play was evident early on. Wingers Trent Kone-Doherty and Kieran Morrison provided energy and width, yet the decisive final pass often failed to connect with the striker, despite his intelligent positioning.

A sharp drag-back to evade two PSV players shortly after the half-hour mark captured the influence of his street-football roots. His movements away from defenders when Liverpool advanced into crossing positions demonstrated awareness, but the service didn’t match the intention. Morrison, lively throughout, forced saves from the PSV goalkeeper but might have looked inside more often to find Sonni-Lambie.

With heavy rain and swirling wind worsening in the second half, defenders dictated proceedings. Liverpool captain Wellity Lucky delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing pace, power and impeccable timing in several crucial interventions. Kone-Doherty struck a 90th-minute winner to secure Liverpool’s place in the last 32, yet for Sonni-Lambie it proved a quieter afternoon.

Long-Term Development Outlook

One muted display does little to alter the broader picture. Sonni-Lambie’s output, versatility and comfort stepping into older age groups underline why Liverpool regard him highly. His late arrival in academy football hasn’t hindered his trajectory; if anything, it has sharpened the improvisational qualities that make him distinctive.

With continued exposure to competitive youth football and further refinement under the guidance of Liverpool’s academy coaches, the 18-year-old remains well placed to keep climbing. His season so far provides a strong foundation, and more opportunities will come to showcase his finishing, movement and creativity.