Liverpool U18s thrash Arsenal 7-1 as Koumas scored hattrick

Liverpool U18s smashed Arsenal in the Youth Cup on Saturday. The Reds ran out 7-1 winners thanks to three scorers.

Liverpool Under 18s tore their Arsenal counterparts to shreds on Saturday as they hosted the Londoners at Kirky. This one was 1-1 after 15 minutes but the Reds found rhythm (and then some) to dominate the game.

Lewis Koumas takes the headlines after bagging a hat trick. The young forward opened the scoring for the Reds and put them back in front just before halftime.

He did have to wait until no.7 for his hat trick, though, as Trent Kone-Doherty and Jayden Danns took turns scoring braces. Koumas did eventually get his third and with it, he further pushed for a senior debut.

The youngster hasn't been far off one. Koumas has appeared in the senior squad this season and was tipped for his debut against Union SG earlier this season. He did appear on the bench but didn't get on.

But we know Jurgen Klopp is a big fan. He talked Koumas up in the summer, saying he "has all the things you need as a kid to become a real player" (Wales Online).

Jarell Quansah, who also received summer praise, has gone on to be a regular in the squad. Perhaps Koumas isn't far off his opportunity.

But, of course, Koumas wasn't the only one to shine here. The other goalscorers, Kone-Doherty and Danns, each boosted their reputations with fantastic performances against a high-profile club.

All three could well be in line to feature against Norwich City in the FA Cup next week.

Arsenal currently sit 3rd in the Under 18 Premier League South. Liverpool U18s are second in the North, though 12 points off Manchester United's 100% record.

The Youth Cup is their best shot at silverware this season, then, and it's certainly one that has led to good things for Liverpool in the past. This statement win might just be the sign that another young team capable of something special this year.