Liverpool may already have an unexpected solution to their striker shortage emerging within their academy, with 18-year-old Will Wright continuing to make a strong impression under Rob Page’s U21 side.
The young forward produced an astounding individual goal for Liverpool Under-21s against Rochdale in their opening Jersey Mike's Trophy fixture on Tuesday night, kicking off their campaign in stunning fashion and demonstrating precisely why his stock continues to rise inside the club.
Picking up the ball deep in the opposition half, the starlet bypassed three Rochdale defenders with a dazzling burst of pace and intricate footwork before driving an unstoppable finish into the top corner. The sheer quality of the strike highlighted his remarkable technical execution under pressure, leaving the home defence completely static and instantly turning heads across the coaching staff.
His goal was a moment that secured a crucial result in the group-stage opener, but it also provided a timely reminder of his rapid development this season. Performance levels of this calibre naturally accelerate a player's path toward first-team recognition, with senior observers taking close note of his composure and explosive attacking profile.
The Reds were reduced to 10 men following new signing Mor Talla Ndiaye's sending off and eventually the home side took advantage to make it 1-0.
The young Reds had to fight against a numerical disadvantage whilst on the wrong side of the scoresheet, which is where Liverpool’s 18-year-old striker stepped up in remarkable fashion.
Luke Chambers drove forward down the left before finding the teenage forawrd, who had drifted into space on the same side of the pitch. The English youngster carried the ball forward before cutting inside, leaving one defender on the floor with a sharp change of direction.
He then twisted and turned his way through three more Rochdale players before calmly placing the ball into the top-right corner.
Will Wright displays brilliant skill for his goal for Liverpool U21s against Rochdale in the Jersey Mike's Trophy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WEGAvz7NvN
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 22, 2026
For an 18-year-old striker, the composure was particularly impressive.
The clinical forward showed nerves of steel during the decisive post-match drama, stepping up for Rob Page side in the penalty shootout and calmly rolling his spot-kick past the Rochdale goalkeeper to set the standard.
His early composure set the tone for a dramatic marathon from twelve yards, with the young Reds eventually holding their nerve to grind out a thrilling 7-6 shootout victory and claim the extra bonus point.
Who is Will Wright?
Liverpool paid around £200,000 to sign the highly rated prospect from Salford City last summer, with the striker subsequently becoming involved across the club's U21 and U19 setups.
He registered 11 goal contributions in 18 Premier League 2 Division 1 appearances last season and has taken another step forward this term.
Wright has scored five goals and provided one assist in four PL2 appearances so far this campaign.
The striker has yet to make his senior Liverpool debut but was included in Iraola's US pre-season tour, making appearances against Como and Sunderland.
It was during that tour that Wright demonstrated why his profile could potentially suit the Liverpool head coach.
Could Wright help solve Liverpool's striker problem?
Alexander Isak has started the season strongly and looks to be finally settling into his red shirt, scoring four goals in his first five Premier League appearances and registering an assist against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
However, Hugo Ekitike's long-term achilles injury has left Liverpool with fewer natural options at centre-forward.
Gakpo can operate centrally, while Lewis Koumas has also been given opportunities. The Welshman impressed during his only start of the season against Tottenham in the EFL Cup, winning the Player of the Match award after an energetic pressing display.
But the former Salford striker offers a different profile.
"Will is a proper striker," U21s head coach Page told Liverpoolfc.com. "He loves a battle and he is all for the battle. He grinds the opposition defenders down."
That description could be particularly relevant to Iraola and the relentless pressing that is so key to his style of football.
During pre-season, Wright operated as the central striker in Iraola's 4-2-3-1 and impressed with his pressing. Against Sunderland, he repeatedly curved his runs to close off passing options from the goalkeeper, which is exactly the sort of work expected from Iraola's No.9.
At 6ft 4in, Wright also provides a significant physical and aerial presence.
He is obviously nowhere near Isak's level of Premier League experience yet, but his performances suggest he possesses several of the characteristics Iraola wants from his central striker.
With Ekitike sidelined and Liverpool's first-team options limited, the question is whether Wright could be trusted with a few minutes when opportunities arise.
The £200,000 signing is certainly giving Iraola something to think about.
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