I'm 198cm tall. Are you giving me a Maradona template?

Chapter 300 League Cup

Liverpool easily defeated Arsenal away from home.

Their next opponent is Newcastle at home.

This is a League Cup quarter-final match.

Winning this match will propel Liverpool into the League Cup semi-finals – it's worth noting that Premier League teams will also begin their FA Cup campaign in December.

By the time.

League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup.

correct.

And the Club World Cup!
The Club World Cup matches are scheduled around Christmas.

That's why it was arranged this way.

It's because at this time, most European leagues have entered their winter break—but the Premier League doesn't have a winter break at all; this is actually the time when their schedule is most congested, which is hilarious.

and so.

For Liverpool, December has an extremely, extremely, extremely packed schedule of matches.

Rotation is necessary.

not to mention.

Klopp had already made up his mind.

They're going to adopt a major rotation strategy in the League Cup—and actually, not just the League Cup, but also the FA Cup.

Due to the overly dense schedule.

Therefore, Klopp is a little worried that the dense schedule will make the sunshine unbearable.

He spoke with Sunshine before the start of this League Cup match.

As a result, Yang Guang patted his chest and said that he had no problem at all.

Klopp then gritted his teeth and made the decision.

This League Cup match also saw the sun shine.

"Everyone is pretty excited!"

At the Liverpool youth team's training ground.

Head coach Klopp sat in the low stands of the training ground, watching the team train.

Assistant coach Kravitz chuckled, "Of course, partly because you're sitting right next to me, and partly because the League Cup is about to start."

Klopp nodded.

He did not expect that after making the decision to field a lineup mainly composed of substitutes and youth team players for the League Cup and FA Cup, the two domestic cup competitions, he would be in trouble.

This will also completely motivate the team's youth team.

Speaking of youth training programs at major clubs in England.

Liverpool's youth academy isn't bad, but it's not exactly excellent either.

So many years have passed.

Liverpool's youth academy still boasts Gerrard as its star player.

Later on, there were things like Sterling.

But Sterling was bought midway through the transfer window for two million pounds – which set a record for youth team player transfer fees.

On the other hand, their arch-rivals Manchester United.

That's the hallmark of England's club youth academy.

Let's not talk about Class 92.

This was somewhat accidental—after all, the idea of ​​building a dynasty based on almost the same batch of students from the youth training academy sounds fantastical. It's only happened a handful of times in history.

The closest one to this is probably Guardiola's Dream Team dynasty in Barcelona – the core players of this dynasty were Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and Messi, all of whom came from La Masia. However, unlike the Class of '92, these players were not from the same cohort of graduates; they were a 'three-generation team': Xavi's generation, Iniesta and Busquets' generation, and Messi's generation.

Liverpool's youth academy is not only inferior to Manchester United's, but it also doesn't have much of an advantage over teams like Southampton and West Ham United.

West Ham United almost had its own "Class of '92" back in the day.

West Ham United's youth academy produced six renowned England internationals in the early 21st century.

Rio Ferdinand, Lampard, Joe Cole, Carrick, Defoe, Glen Johnson.

From center-back, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, forward.

A central axis can be built.

Many West Ham United legends and managers have expressed their regret.

如果
West Ham United back then was just like Manchester United back then.

Keep all six players.

The team's structure was built around them.

Let's not say they'll build a dynasty like Manchester United's Class of '92.

at least
There is still a possibility of winning a Premier League title.

Liverpool's youth academy is characterized by a low output, but it seems that one or two representative figures can be found in each era. As for the sudden emergence of talents like the Class of '92 or the West Ham United Six, there has never been a case of talents suddenly appearing in a certain era.

However, this year's Liverpool youth team performed quite well.

They eliminated the formidable Nottingham Forest U19 team in the FA Youth Cup to advance to the next round.

Last week in the youth league, they came from behind to beat Manchester United U19 3-2 (too many qualifiers) with Mason Greenwood, who is hailed as the best talent in Manchester United's youth academy in the last 20 years besides Pogba.

All of this is because these youth team players are eager to demonstrate their abilities so that the head coach will include them in the League Cup squad.

For first-team players.

The League Cup is pointless; such matches are too exhausting.

It's a pity to throw away tasteless food.

But for the youth team players...

This is a proper first-team match.

At Anfield, the home ground of the first team, there are tens of thousands of spectators, television broadcasts, and even the chance to play alongside superstars like Sunshine!
Such a match is incredibly tempting for the youth team players.

So everyone gave it their all to try and win this opportunity, which instantly increased the competition in the youth team to almost the same level as in the first team.

For these youth team players.

It's a rare opportunity to play in a first-team match that's broadcast on television.

Most U19 players have reached a point where they have to consider their future.

Even at the Liverpool U19 level, players...

Many players who graduate from youth academies are unable to find jobs – they either have to change careers or go to lower-level leagues to wait for their chance.

This lower-level league refers to the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth levels.

For U19 graduates to be able to play in League One or League Two is already considered quite good.

To be able to play as a starter at this level is to be considered a genius.

And then there are those who get playing time in the first team when they are at the U19 level.

He was a genius among geniuses.

To be able to become a starter at this level is even more remarkable.

If you are English.

It's guaranteed to be hyped up to the skies by the English media.

The current Liverpool U19 players lack an opportunity to be celebrated.

They only need to show some promise in the League Cup.

The English media will certainly not hesitate to praise them.

As long as their names appear in the media.

They will definitely get attention, the attention of scouts and other teams, and maybe that will give them a chance.

Even a chance to go to the Championship or League One.

and.

What excited them even more was...

Giving them a chance in the League Cup wasn't just a formality, nor was it a sign of abandoning the League Cup; it was about letting them become teammates with the Sunshine!

Oh, sunshine!
He is the world's number one soccer player.

No matter how well he performs, he won't be noticed by scouts—because that's only natural.

His good performance won't affect others.

in contrast.

If I assist Yang Guang in a match, I might catch the attention of scouts.

The presence of sunlight can boost the performance of other players.

And now.

The League Cup is finally here.

Everyone's enthusiasm for training soared once again.

I need to make sure the head coach in the stands notices me, in case I can get a starting opportunity in the League Cup.

That was incredibly lucky.

really.

After the day's training was over, the exciting moment arrived.

The team's first-team assistant coach arrived at the stadium.

He had a list in his hand.

The name is on the list, follow him.

Those whose names aren't on the list will stay in the youth team.

Everyone craned their necks to watch.

Kravitz knew what everyone was expecting, so he also dawdled.

He opened the list in his hand.

"Curtis Jones, Tyler Morton, Neco Williams."

He read out the names of all 12 players in one breath.

These 12 players will be added to the squad for the League Cup match against Newcastle United, and three or four of them will be lucky enough to make the starting lineup!

The players whose names were called stood tall, their faces beaming with pride.

The players whose names weren't called showed expressions of disappointment, envy, and jealousy.

finally.

Under the envious gazes of everyone.

Twelve U19 youth team players followed Kravitz to the first team's training ground.

The training grounds of the youth academy and the first team are separated by only a thin line.

But it is precisely this line.

Separated.

It's about opportunity, fame, and future prospects.

The League Cup was added to the Premier League starting from the third round.

If a rematch is not required.

It takes five matches to reach the final.

After this match, the League Cup semi-final will be played in a two-legged home-and-away format, which means there will be two matches.

That is to say.

They only need to play three more matches to eliminate two opponents.

That's it! We'll make it to the finals!

As for whether to continue the large-scale rotation in the finals.

That depends on the situation at the time of the final. The English League Cup final is at the end of February. Although the schedule is very tight at that time, with the FA Cup and Champions League knockout matches all taking place during that period, if the team is in a good league position, rotation can be implemented during the league.

Of course.

If Manchester City continues to compete so closely, then securing the league title will definitely be their priority.

Newcastle United's manager is Rafael Benitez, a familiar face at Liverpool.

During Benitez's tenure at Liverpool, the club experienced a brief resurgence, winning its fifth Champions League trophy under his leadership.

When he appeared at Anfield Stadium.

The entire stadium stood up and applauded him.

This scene was a rare display of warmth on the field.

But in the specific context of the match...

Liverpool showed no mercy whatsoever.

In this match, apart from Sunshine, most of Liverpool's other players were substitutes, including four U19 youth team players who made it into the starting lineup.

This is the lineup.

It's obvious to everyone that Liverpool definitely wants to achieve the greatest victory with the least amount of effort.

Benitez considered that Liverpool had previously used a similar lineup to eliminate Chelsea in the League Cup.

and so.

He did not underestimate his opponent because of this.

Instead, they adopted a very pragmatic defensive counter-attacking strategy on the road.

Newcastle United's counter-attacks are a significant threat.

Thirteenth minute of the match.

They scored the first goal through a counter-attack.

Spanish striker Ayoze Perez cut into the penalty area from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot to score.

In terms of personal ability.

Players from the youth team can hardly compare to seasoned veterans like Ayoze Perez, who have been playing in top leagues.

This goal conceded proves that Liverpool's rotation squad is significantly weaker than their starting lineup.

Twenty-ninth minute of the match.

Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto helped Newcastle score another goal.

Thirty minutes later, Newcastle took a two-goal lead.

The camera focused on Benitez on the sidelines.

"Benitez's team adopted a defensive counter-attacking tactic away from home, even against Liverpool's fringe squad. But it proved to be very successful. If Liverpool had been forced to play a more defensive counter-attacking style against Newcastle, Newcastle's defense might have been overwhelmed by the sun!"

"It turns out that the only threat to this lineup is the Suns. Look at Newcastle's defense against the Suns. Benitez came prepared!"

The commentators cheered loudly.

Liverpool fans in the stands frowned.

online.

Many Premier League fans have started popping champagne and mocking the teams ahead of time.

"Hey, isn't this the seven-time champion?"

"Can't repay the loan?"

Newcastle is awesome!

Amid cheers.

Liverpool's counter-attack has begun.

Sunlight began to expand its range of movement and the number of times it handled the ball.

The match ended in the 43rd minute.

He turned and fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area, pulling one back for his team.

The first half of the game is over.

The score remained 1-2 at halftime.

The second half of the game has begun.

Liverpool, led by Sunshine, launched wave after wave of attacks.

The match ended in the 53rd minute.

Yang Guang seized a corner kick opportunity and headed the ball into the goal.

Two to two!
Liverpool equalized.

This made Liverpool fans excited.

"Speak up! Those people from before, speak up!"

"Why can't some people understand the lesson of popping champagne at halftime?"

"Hahaha, this is Yang, the invincible Yang!"

The atmosphere at Anfield Stadium became lively as a result.

Amid cheers.

The third goal arrived as expected.

This ball didn't go in because of sunlight.

But his assist.

Liverpool launched a simple long-ball attack from their own half.

The sun beats down the defender, leaps high, and heads the ball across.

Curtis Jones, who started the game, controlled the ball and took a low shot with his right foot.

Young Jones scored the first goal of his professional career!
Throughout Anfield, a chorus of voices calling out Jones's name echoed.

Sunshine ran up to the somewhat dazed Jones and slapped him on the back of the head.

"Well done!"

I heard the roar of the sunlight.

Jones only came to his senses after scoring the goal.

I fucking scored!
He embraced the sunlight.

I heard the cheers from the entire audience.

Jones' confidence was at its peak at this moment.

(End of this chapter)