16-Year-Old Wonderkid’s Stunner Inspires Liverpool’s Dominant Victory Over Bilbao in Doubleheader Opener

Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao: Teen Sensation Shines in Preseason Double-Header
By Tum Balogun, Sports Reporter | Updated: 18:25 BST, 4 August 2025

[Image: Liverpool players celebrating a goal, source: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/08/04/17/100912897-0-image-a-26_1754323668010.jpg]

Liverpool capped off their preseason preparations in thrilling fashion, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at Anfield in the first leg of a double-header. The Reds dominated proceedings, with 16-year-old academy starlet Max Thompson stealing the show with a breathtaking strike.

Wonderkid Announces Himself
Thompson, making his first senior appearance, scored a stunning 25-yard curler in the 34th minute to double Liverpool’s lead. The teenager, who only joined the club’s youth setup last year, received a standing ovation from the Anfield faithful. “He’s got something special,” manager Arne Slot told Mail Sport. “We’ve seen his quality in training, but to deliver like that here? Incredible.”

[Image: Max Thompson celebrating his goal, arms outstretched]

Early Dominance Pays Off
Liverpool took control early, with Darwin Núñez opening the scoring in the 12th minute. A defensive error by Bilbao allowed the Uruguayan to slot home calmly, setting the tone for the match. Mohamed Salah was instrumental in the buildup, showcasing his trademark link-up play with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Bilbao Fight Back Briefly
The visitors pulled one back just before halftime through Iñaki Williams, who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Virgil van Dijk. However, substitute Diogo Jota restored Liverpool’s two-goal cushion in the 68th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from new signing Florian Wirtz.

Tactical Tweaks & Standout Performances
Slot experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving minutes to emerging talents like midfielders Bobby Clark and Ben Doak. Wirtz, Liverpool’s €90m summer signing, impressed in the No. 10 role, while captain Van Dijk marshaled the defense authoritatively after his earlier mistake.

[Image: Florian Wirtz dribbling past two Bilbao defenders]

What’s Next?
The sides meet again at Anfield on August 6 for the second fixture. Slot confirmed he’ll rotate the squad, stating, “We’ll use the next game to build sharpness for the Premier League opener.”

Key Stats:

• Possession: Liverpool 62% – 38% Bilbao
• Shots on target: Liverpool 7 – 3 Bilbao
• Man of the Match: Max Thompson (Liverpool)

Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign against Manchester United on August 18, with Thompson pushing for a shock inclusion in the matchday squad.

Stay tuned to Mail Sport for updates on the second match and transfer news.

[Image: Anfield crowd celebrating Liverpool’s victory]

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