The cup has always been a stage for young people. In this week's League Cup matches, teams such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have all made big rotations. Although some believe that this reduces the quality and importance of the game, it also gives many young people the opportunity to show themselves. The performance of 5 young players this week is very eye-catching!
Top 1: Gordon (Liverpool 16)
Liverpool beat Norwich 3-0 and the 16-year-old Gordon entered Liverpool's starting line-up, which was also his first game in the Reds' first team. Gordon's speed and the wheel impressed fans, which is one of the reasons Klopp dared to let him start. Gordon is from derby County's academy and has been in championship competitions since he was 16 years old. Rooney rated him as "England's Best U16 Player".
TOP2: Forth (Brentford 22)
Brentford beat Aldham Athletic 7-0 and the 22-year-old Fox staged a senior year. The Finland international scored four goals in the 2nd, 15th, 43rd and 60th minutes to help the team win 7-0. In the Championship last season, Fox scored 8 goals and 1 assist, but after rushing this season, Fox has not yet been given a starting opportunity. With the performance of the League Cup, Fox is expected to usher in the starting opportunity in the next round of the Premier League.
TOP3: Palmer (Manchester City 19 years old)
There is no more competitive team in the world than Manchester City. But Palmer's performance could make Guardiola think about giving him more chances in future games.
He came off the bench in the 72nd minute and scored in the 87th minute. Palmer received the ball in the centre circle, carried the ball to the edge of the penalty area and then scored with a brilliant left-footed shot, his first goal in City's first team.
In this game, Manchester City sent a lot of young people, including McAdi, Lavia, Esplanade, Burns and so on. But Palmer's performance was the most amazing, and he was remembered by many fans. City's midfield is highly talented, including De Bruyne, Gundogan and Rodri. Starting today, Palmer has also become one of the most important people to be ignored.
Brighton started the season well in the Premier League, with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss in the first 5 rounds. In the League Cup, Brighton also played strong, they eliminated Swansea 2-0, and 21-year-old Irish youngster Aaron Connolly scored a good second.
Aaron Connolly has had plenty of chances at Brighton over the past few seasons, but his efficiency is average, with the most goals scoring in a season with just four goals, which has affected his position in the first team. But his performance in the League Cup has given people hope again. The 21-year-old young striker is expected to be reused in future games.
TOP5: Cameron Archer (Vera, 19)
Facing Chelsea, Cameron Archer helped Villa score the equaliser at Stamford Bridge. Villa do not lack strikers, Watkins, Danny Ince and Leon Pele are all very good players, but Cameron Archer has been the focus of this round of the League Cup.
In the second round of the League Cup, the 19-year-old scored a hat-trick against Barrow before he put on another show. Seeing the teenager keep scoring goals in the League Cup, hopefully have a chance to see him in the Premier League in the coming weeks!