The Reds show they want it.Last week, during ongoing renovations at the AXA Learning Center, the trophy wall in the lobby was removed for an early spring clean. Another change may soon be needed after Liverpool seized the opportunity to extend their record haul of nine trophies in Wednesday night’s semi-final at Craven Cottage.
Yes, there were tense moments after former Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson was benched after calling on Issa Diop for Luis Diaz’s opener, sparking a Fulham cavalry charge. Aim to consolidate overtime But it was a professional display that displayed all the hallmarks of Jurgen Klopp’s successful first team and added encouragement that a good season can still be a good season for Liverpool FC Reloaded. Remember, this Liverpool team is likely to be without seven of their XI due to injury or international commitments. But rather than bemoan his fate, Klopp saw the issue of availability not as a problem but as a challenge and an invitation for other players to stake their claim. Everyone went out.So when Fulham piled on the pressure in the second half, there were rare signs that Liverpool were losing.
The Reds were the most likely to score in extra time, while the Cottagers were indecisive and uncertain.Incidentally, towards the end of the first leg at Anfield two weeks ago, there was only one save by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno and the closing stages of the second half here did not turn into a parade for the visitors. But Liverpool are not used to taking their time under Klopp and showed attitude and determination to get the job done after silencing the home crowd with a dominant performance.
They ran as strong in the last moments as in the first, their unity and desire undiminished. Now, just as they did in the League Cup and FA Cup finals two years ago, Chelsea head to Liverpool and will be looking for more success at Wembley next month. Looking back, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is in the grip of the opposition as Klopp begins his trophy hunt by winning his sixth European Cup in 2019. It may only be a few weeks until the next time. Luis Diaz has done enough in the last 18 months to show that he deserves his return. So we shouldn’t complain too much about the quick change of direction that gave Liverpool the lead when Bernd Leno’s shot was deflected wide of the keeper’s bar.
Only 11 minutes have passed. But it was enough to show that the Colombian winger is keen to return to his preferred role on the left. Fulham right-back Timothy Castagne had little rest until his late night sacrifice. For Diaz, it was an opportunity. His will to create was matched by his ability to compete with Fulham. He played a key role on both wings.
But from a business point of view, he is calculating now. Diaz has seven goals this season and is on the right track, scoring for Arsenal in the FA Cup earlier this month and providing an assist for Diogo Jota on Boxing Day.He started to increase his number of strikers, which is very important considering the absence of Mohamed Salah. Just like when he arrived two years ago, Diaz’s contribution could be vital as Liverpool continue to struggle on all four fronts. Klopp’s decision paid off Jurgen Klopp threw a curveball two years ago when he beat young winger Cade Gordon in the semi-finals of the League Cup. The selection of centre-back Jarell Quansah in this final four may not have gone unnoticed, but it was another strong expression of confidence in the work of the academy.
Despite starting in Liverpool’s 12th position since the start of the season, Quanza has been heavily involved in the Reds’ performance in this competition, having been on the bench for the first leg just two weeks ago. It was the toughest test yet for the centre-back, who turns 21 on Monday. But when he replaced Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, his trademark composure was evident in an impressive performance.
Quansah could also claim an assist, with his diagonal pass falling over Fulham defender Timothy Castagne for Luis Diaz to eventually convert.Much was expected of the youngster and his fellow defenders after the break, with the pressure inevitably mounting on Fulham as the clock ticked down. Quanzah was not so lucky to help Issa Diop level. But a fine save from Joao Palhinha showed that the defenders are unstoppable. It was another important night in his development. Gravenbirch explained.An abundance of vacancies continues to provide opportunities for Liverpool’s young players.Conor Bradley held firm at right-back but Harry Wilson was tricked into equalising, while Bobby Clarke’s cameo was further evidence of Klopp’s faith in the 18-year-old midfielder’s burgeoning talent. Despite his £40m potential, Ryan Gravenberch is still learning his trade at the age of 21.
