Another year, and another final for Liverpool. Tonight was yet more sign that Jurgen Klopp’s side is well and truly back. The Reds didn’t have it all easy against Fulham in what was a difficult tie, but in the end they’ve booked their place at Wembley.
A much anticipated final now awaits the Reds against a familiar foe in Chelsea, and Mauricio Pochettino. Both of whom Liverpool have a very decent record against in recent finals.
What was really impressive about Liverpool’s performance tonight was not the way the Reds played. It was who the team was made-up of. This wasn’t Jurgen Klopp’s first choice starting XI. But instead a makeshift team who delivered all they could to secure a strong result away from home. Speaking after the game, club captain, Virgil van Dijk was particularly impressed by two players.
Virgil van Dijk was impressed by two players
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Dijk signalled out two of Liverpool’s young players in particular. Both Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah are academy graduates, and both put in solid displays once again.
“Very well,” Van Dijk answered on how Bradley and Quansah performed. “The right hand side was not the most experience side today. But they did very well and all season.
“I’m proud of these guys. It’s only the beginning for them and they must feel it that way. But to be going to the final with this performance is a very good thing and shows what kind of progress they have made and hopefully they can keep going.”
Van Dijk has every right to be proud. Liverpool are building a very special team at the moment, and the academy graduates have been a huge part of it. Quansah and Bradley are just two players, among a plethora of young stars catching the eye from Liverpool’s academy at the moment. Tonight was yet more proof that the future is very bright at Anfield.
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