FeatureMeet the Academy: How street football shaped Josh Sonni-Lambie's game

The striker arrived at the Kirkby set-up quite late compared to others in the current ranks, some of whom may have joined with their age in the single digits.

Sonni-Lambie's journey as a Red, however, began at U14s level. That was after his talent was unearthed on the grassroots scene in the country's capital.

Suddenly, he moved up north, away from family and friends, and was thrust into this elite environment.

"That was a big change," Sonni-Lambie tells Liverpoolfc.com in the latest of our Meet the Academy series. "As a 14-year-old, to move to Liverpool, I was very excited. It didn't really affect me."

Modest and measured in his personality, Sonni-Lambie's progression since making the switch has been hugely encouraging.

He debuted for Liverpool U18s as an U16 player and has gone on to become a consistent source of goals and creativity within that team in 2024-25.

Having also earned a first call-up to England for the age group, he considers this season to be the most important yet of his fledgling career.

But with all that development, there has always remained an element of the Sonni-Lambie playing with his mates as a pastime.

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He says: "If I had a day off, I'd just go and play football in the street with my friends. I just always wanted to play football.

"Street football, you just have loads of fun, a lot of skills. With street football, you just really do whatever you want. I still use a lot of skills in my game."

That, therefore, explains Sonni-Lambie's answer when asked if there's a player he models his game on.

"He's not really my position but I look up to Luis Diaz," the 17-year-old replies. "He's a very skilful player and he just excites me a lot. Just the way he can take on his man.

"I've always played in an attacking position. I used to play as a central attacking midfielder and I can also play off the left wing. But I've always been an attacking player.

"My best qualities I would say are definitely dribbling, driving with the ball and combining with my teammates in and around the box."

Away from his craft, Sonni-Lambie keeps in touch with some of those back in London via gaming sessions.

Another hobby of his is one he's brought to Liverpool from down south, also involving a ball and hitting the target.

"I like to play basketball as well – I do a lot of that in my free time," he reveals.

"I used to be a big basketball fan when I was younger but I don't really have time to be watching basketball since it's always played late at night.

"I like to play basketball and I like to play a bit of PlayStation sometimes, mostly with my mates back home.

"It was definitely hard moving away from my family but I'd say it was a very good move for me. I've been very happy."