Reigan Heskey, the son of former striker Emile Heskey, confirmed the present gulf between Liverpool and Man Metropolis‘s U18s in a 5-0 rout on the AXA Coaching Centre.
Liverpool U18s 0-5 Man Metropolis U18s
U18 Premier League, AXA Coaching Centre
April 16, 2025
Objectives: Warhurst 24′ 46′, Heskey 56′ pen 63′, Noble 90+5′
Liverpool U18s have received simply one in all their final 10 league video games, dropping seven of these, with a 5-0 defeat to Man Metropolis making it 4 occasions in that run that they’ve conceded 5 or extra objectives in a single recreation.
It’s a surprising actuality for the membership in a season of wrestle in any respect ranges within the academy – with the U19s knocked out of the UEFA Youth League’s spherical of 32 by Stuttgart and the U21s compelled to attend till the ultimate day to be taught if they’ve certified for his or her playoffs.
There are mitigating elements – not least with two U16s beginning in opposition to the league leaders on Wednesday – however this could possibly be a summer season the place Liverpool take inventory and shake issues up.
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s facet battled all through their midweek conflict with Man Metropolis, with left-back Cam Williams making a collection of goal-line clearances and striker Josh Sonni-Lambie notably vibrant in possession.
However two objectives apiece from Matty Warhurst and Heskey Jr. together with a late strike from Kian Noble consigned them to a heavy defeat.
Heskey, the 17-year-old son of ex-Liverpool striker Emile, was excellent all through, together with his tempo and energy on the left wing inflicting issues for one in all Liverpool’s standouts at U18s stage in right-back DJ Esdaille.
The Reds’ treble-winner has two sons within the Man Metropolis academy, with 19-year-old Jaden Heskey a flexible midfielder who’s a daily for his or her U21s.
Whereas there could also be one clear issue separating the 2 golf equipment’ recruitment at youth stage – the cash on supply – it’s eye-opening that two youngsters of a former Liverpool participant are as an alternative thriving as a part of the academy setup in Manchester.
Liverpool U18s may nonetheless end backside of the 13-team north division, discovering themselves twelfth and solely 4 factors away from bottom-placed Leeds with each side nonetheless to play three extra video games.
After their clashes with Middlesbrough, Stoke and Everton, an sincere appraisal may be anticipated inside the Reds’ youth setup – forward a vital post-season rejig.
Liverpool U18s: Corridor; Esdaille, Enahoro-Marcus, Owen, Williams; Lonmeni (Airoboma 70′), Ayman, Onanuga (Cisse 83′); O’Connor, Ahmed (Martin 88′), Sonni-Lambie
Subs not used: Bernard, Bradshaw
Subsequent match: Middlesbrough (A) – U18 Premier League – Wednesday, April 23, 1pm (BST)
