Top Liverpool Talent Josh Abe Scores Hat-Trick as Arne Slot Weighs Up FA Cup Youth Rotation

Liverpool's promising 15-year-old academy star Josh Abe delivered a stunning performance with a hat-trick and assist, powering the U18s to a dominant 6-1 victory over Leeds United at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday lunchtime. This display in the U18 Premier League North comes at a pivotal time, as head coach Arne Slot considers youth rotation for the upcoming FA Cup clash against Brighton.[1][2][3]

Abe, wearing the number seven shirt, broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark. A precise pass from Haydn Murray-Holme split the Leeds defense, allowing the young attacker to drive forward and finish clinically. Before halftime, Joe Bradshaw nearly doubled the lead, but his fierce strike was tipped onto the post by Leeds goalkeeper Robert Cook.[1]

Post-interval, Liverpool surged ahead. Lucas Clarke pounced on a poorly cleared corner to make it 2-0 with a sharp finish. Abe then claimed his second, receiving the ball on the right flank, beating his marker, and slotting home superbly inside the area. Five minutes later, he sealed his hat-trick when substitute Oliver O'Connor's run and cross found Abe eight yards out for a composed finish, making it 4-0.[1][4]

Josh Sonni-Lambie extended the lead to 5-1, latching onto Abe's interception and sprint into the box before turning and scoring—his 20th goal of the season. A late penalty for Liverpool was saved, but Prince Cisse added the sixth to cap the rout.[1][2]

Abe's exploits follow his inclusion in first-team training earlier in 2026, positioning him as a breakout candidate. With Slot eyeing FA Cup options ahead of Reds vs. Brighton, this glorious hat-trick sends a clear message of readiness from Liverpool's top youth talent.[3]

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