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BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 10, 2017: Liverpool's Harry Wilson during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson goals seal Liverpool U23s victory against Chelsea

Wales duo Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson were both on target as the Liverpool U23s sealed an impressive 3-1 victory away to Chelsea.

Chelsea U23s 1-3 Liverpool U23s

Premier League 2, Cobham Training Centre
November 25, 2017

Goals: Hudson-Odoi 21′; Wilson 6′ 71′, Woodburn 41′


As November draws to a close the young Reds’ weekend clash mirrored that of their senior counterparts, though Neil Critchley‘s side were the visitors as they took to Surrey.

Critchley was able to name a strong U23s outfit despite the absence of Danny Ings, with Jon Flanagan, Ovie Ejaria and Rhian Brewster joining Woodburn and Wilson on the field.

Flanagan formed a mixed back four alongside centre-backs Lloyd Jones and George Johnston, with the latter making only his fourth start for the U23s this season.

The captain, Corey Whelan, took up his place at left-back, behind a midfield three of Ejaria, Herbie Kane and Matty Virtue, with Woodburn, Wilson and Brewster interchanging in attack.

Liverpool got off to the perfect start as Wilson beat goalkeeper Jamie Cumming after just six minutes.

The winger, who relinquished the armband to Whelan last summer, skipped through the Chelsea defence to capitalise on an error at the back, before clipping the ball past Cumming.

Brewster and Woodburn both had chances to make it 2-0, but with the Blues counter-attacking England U17s World Cup star Callum Hudson-Odoi converted to level the scores.

But with Wilson splitting the home side’s defence with an excellent pass just before the break, Woodburn found himself through to score his second goal of the season.

Chelsea right-back Reece James saw a penalty appeal waved away after half-time, while Martell Taylor-Crossdale had a chance to equalise, but the young Reds worked well to crowd the 17-year-old.

But with Brewster providing the assist for Liverpool’s clincher, Wilson was on hand with another finish to score his ninth goal in eight Premier League 2 games and secure the three points.

 

Welsh Duo Ready For January Loan Moves

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 20, 2017: Liverpool's Ben Woodburn during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Despite Jurgen Klopp making a raft of changes as Liverpool took on Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening, neither Woodburn or Wilson were considered for the first team.

Wilson is yet to make an impact on the senior stage despite his remarkable output for the U23s, and Woodburn has made just one appearance so far this term, in the League Cup loss to Leicester City.

With January looming, and neither player seemingly close to breaking through under Klopp in 2017/18, it could be that temporary spells elsewhere would aid their development.

 

Man of the Match: Harry Wilson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, September 22, 2017: Liverpool's Harry Wilson celebrates scoring the first goal during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool U23s: Kelleher; Whelan, Jones, Johnston, Flanagan; Virtue, Kane, Ejaria; Woodburn (Dhanda 79′), Wilson, Brewster (Adekanye 79′)

Subs not used: Firth, Masterson, Alves

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