Liverpool U21s Fall 2-1 to Leicester U21s: Key Players Missing Amid Transfer Speculation
In their second Premier League 2 outing of the season, Liverpool U21s were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Leicester U21s at Kirkby Academy on August 24, 2024. Despite a spirited performance, the young Reds couldn’t overcome their more experienced opponents.
Trey Nyoni provided Liverpool’s only goal, equalizing in the first half, but the real story centered around the players absent from the squad. With the transfer window closing in just a few days, the omission of several key Liverpool youngsters, including Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell, Owen Beck, Marcelo Pitaluga, Calum Scanlon, and Tyler Morton, raised eyebrows. Their absence suggests that moves—either on loan or permanent—may be imminent before the August 30 deadline.
Coach Barry Lewtas was left with a youthful lineup to face Leicester, though the squad still boasted talents like Nyoni, Amara Nallo, and Kieran Morrison. Despite their relative inexperience, Liverpool started the match strongly, keeping their composure even after falling behind to an early Amani Richards header in the 12th minute.
Liverpool’s persistence paid off just before halftime when they capitalized on a Leicester defensive error, allowing Nyoni to slot home a composed finish in the 40th minute. The Reds had a stroke of luck shortly after when Leicester was awarded a controversial penalty, only for Kornel Misciur to pull off an excellent save to deny Sammy Braybrooke.
The first half ended level at 1-1, but Liverpool faced an uphill battle in the second period. On the hour mark, a costly mistake by Wellity Lucky handed Richards his second goal of the game, as he dispossessed Lucky and calmly rounded Misciur to restore Leicester’s lead.
In the final 20 minutes, Lewtas introduced Michael Laffey, Terence Miles, and promising forward Trent Kone-Doherty in an effort to claw back into the game. Unfortunately, an injury concern forced Kieran Morrison to be substituted for Kyle Kelly with ten minutes remaining. Despite Dominic Corness coming close to equalizing late on, Leicester held firm to secure the victory.
Liverpool will now turn their attention to a more challenging fixture against Crewe in the EFL Trophy on August 27. With the futures of senior U21 players like Doak and Bajcetic uncertain, it remains to be seen whether they will feature in that match.
Liverpool U21s Lineup: Misciur; Jonas (Miles 73′), Lucky, Nallo, Norris; Corness, Pilling, Nyoni (Laffey 73′); Morrison (Kelly 82′), Hill, Young (Kone-Doherty 72′)
Unused Subs: Trueman
Next Match: Crewe (A) – EFL Trophy – August 27, 7.30pm (BST)
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