Liverpool starlet set to be handed first team debut | OneFootball

Sonni-Lambie emerging as standout academy forward

Few within Liverpool’s youth setup have made the kind of impression Sonni-Lambie has this season. The teenager has produced 12 goal contributions in just 11 matches across all competitions, including four in three appearances in the UEFA Youth League. His blend of speed, sharp movement, and link-up play has drawn high praise from the academy coaching staff, who regard him as one of the most exciting attacking talents emerging at Kirkby.

Injuries to senior forwards have accelerated his rise. Jayden Danns and Will Wright are both unavailable, while first-team regulars Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah are expected to be rested ahead of the upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa. That scenario leaves Arne Slot with a limited pool of forwards for the League Cup clash, opening the door for Sonni-Lambie to step up.

Slot assessing options ahead of Crystal Palace clash

Alexander Isak’s knock against Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week has further complicated Liverpool’s attacking selection. The Sweden international was withdrawn at half-time and remains a major doubt for the trip to Brentford, let alone a domestic cup tie. Slot has been consistent in his approach to squad rotation, particularly in early-round cup fixtures, preferring to use them as opportunities to blood young talent.

Freddie Woodman is expected to make his first appearance for the senior side, but the more intriguing storyline revolves around the attack. Should Isak and Ekitike be ruled out, Sonni-Lambie could either lead the line, according to Anfield Watch, or be named among the substitutes. Even limited minutes would represent a significant step forward for a player who was still competing at grassroots level just a few years ago.

Photo: IMAGO

A tradition of breakthrough moments

Liverpool’s history is rich with young forwards announcing themselves through the League Cup. Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen both seized their opportunities in similar circumstances, turning moments of necessity into career-defining debuts. The current setup under Slot bears some resemblance to those eras — a balance between trusting youth and maintaining competitive standards.

For Sonni-Lambie, this could be his moment to follow in their footsteps. His maturity and intelligence on the pitch have set him apart, and his performances have demonstrated an understanding of the system that Slot demands from his forwards. Even if he features briefly, his inclusion would reflect the club’s continued commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Opportunity shaped by circumstance and merit

While injuries have undoubtedly paved the way for his potential promotion, Sonni-Lambie’s opportunity has been earned, not gifted. His work ethic and consistency at academy level have positioned him as the natural choice to fill the temporary void in Liverpool’s attacking ranks. With the League Cup presenting a platform for emerging players to impress, this could be a pivotal step in the 17-year-old’s development.

Should he make his debut against Crystal Palace, it will serve as both a personal reward and a glimpse into Liverpool’s long-term vision under Slot — one that values youth, adaptability, and ambition.