Liverpool’s Under-19s recovered from two goals down to win 4-2 in Austria, with Wright scoring three times and setting up Luca Eden for the decisive goal. The result came on a memorable European night for the club’s academy, with Lewis Koumas scoring on his first Champions League start for the senior side and Trey Nyoni also making his full debut in the first team’s victory.
Wright, 18, has now scored nine goals in eight academy appearances this season. Having previously been named on the senior bench towards the end of last season, he is determined to keep improving and take advantage of the pathway being opened by younger players making the step up.
“Of course, I have to just keeping working hard like Lewis has, and some of the other lads like Chambo and James McConnell,” Wright said.
“They come back and you ask 'what's it like?' and they say everyone works hard. That's the level we have to aim for.
“My motivation is purely to get into the first team, to get in and around training and learn off some of the likes of (Alexander) Isak and Hugo (Ekitike).”
The forward said he wanted to build on his early-season scoring form while becoming a more rounded player.
“I hope so. I've picked up some good form at the start of the season and I have to just carry it on.
“It's my first hat-trick for the club. I'm obviously a goalscorer but I want to be a more complete player as well.”
Wright also believes the demands placed on Liverpool’s young players reflect the high-energy approach of head coach Andoni Iraola.
“Not just to me but the whole (Academy) squad, it's about energy and pressing,” he said. “Jurgen (Klopp) had that philosophy of pressing at the right moments. The gaffer is the exact same as that, he loves an energetic side.”
Liverpool Under-21s coach Rob Page, who is also leading the Under-19s in Europe, has twice given Wright the captain’s armband in the competition.
Page believes the striker’s work ethic and playing style fit the first-team approach. He said Wright “leads by example” and “sets the tone in training”, adding that the manager’s identity had created a visible route into senior football for academy prospects.
Eden, aged 15, also made his mark in Austria. He created Wright’s first goal before scoring Liverpool’s third, becoming the club’s youngest scorer in the UEFA Youth League.
Page praised the midfielder’s discipline after an early booking, saying he had grown into the match and showed impressive energy late on. He added that Liverpool would continue to expose Eden to demanding games while managing his development carefully.
For Wright, the comeback was another chance to demonstrate that he can do more than score goals. His immediate challenge is to sustain that form and turn it into an opportunity with the senior squad.