Liverpool teenager, 15, continues rise with hat-trick after training with first team

Liverpool's U18s beat Leeds 6-1 at the AXA Training Centre on Saturday, and there was no doubt who the star man was as Simon Wiles' youngsters continued their impressive recent form

Josh Abe scored a hat-trick in the win over Leeds United(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool protege Josh Abe marked another milestone in his progression through the club’s youth ranks, with the teenager netting his first hat-trick at U18 level on Saturday.

Abe was the star performer in Liverpool’s emphatic 6-1 over Leeds, with the winger also providing an assist at the AXA Training Centre.

Abe, who has been in the headlines of late and is attracting interest from several top European sides, has played an increasingly prominent role for the U18s in recent months. He scored in wins over Derby and Burnley last month, but his hat-trick on Saturday was another reminder of Abe’s undeniable talent.

The attacker opened the scoring after 34 minutes when he latched onto Haydn Murray-Holme’s pass and advanced before confidently finishing.

Abe doubled his tally after half-time, as he cut into the box and smashed the ball beyond Leeds goalkeeper Robbie Cook, before he grabbed a hat-trick in the 55th minute after converting Oliver O'Connor’s cross into the box.

Lucas Clarke, Josh Sonni-Lambie and Prince Cisse also scored on an impressive afternoon for the Reds. Sonni-Lambie’s goal saw him up to 20 for the season.

Abe has impressed recently for Liverpool's youth team(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has now won five of its last six U18 Premier League matches, and has moved up to third, behind the two Manchester clubs.

That is an impressive turnaround for a side that lost its last four games of 2025 and conceded 26 goals in seven matches.

As for Abe, his star is certainly on the rise. Liverpool is expected to fend off interest in the player over the coming years, with Abe recently moving to PLG, the agency run by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brother.

The Liverpool youngster was even flown out to Madrid to meet Alexander-Arnold, while Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring Abe’s progress.

The 15-year-old has now scored eight goals in 10 U18 appearances this season and is widely regarded among Liverpool’s most promising talents.

Abe has trained with Arne Slot’s first team, but he has yet to play for the U21s.

The U18s are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Blackburn.

The first team, meanwhile, takes on Brighton in the FA Cup at Anfield on Saturday.