The captain’s true advice to Liverpool’s youngsters
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has a message for up-and-coming players.
Liverpool recorded a 3-0 victory over Southampton in the round of 16 of the 2023-24 English FA Cup at Anfield in Liverpool, England, at 5 a.m. ET on Monday. The Reds advanced to the quarterfinals.
Liverpool fielded an unconventional starting lineup. Louis Koumas, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, and a number of younger players who hadn’t been given much of a chance. The rotation was in response to a rash of injuries to Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Wataru Endo, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as the aftermath of the EFL Cup final three days earlier.
Jürgen Klopp’s choice paid off. Liverpool took the lead through Kumas, who was born in 2005. It was his first senior appearance. The youngsters didn’t stop there, as 2006-born Jayden Danns, who came on as a substitute, also exploded for a multi-goal performance. Danes made his first-team debut against Luton Town on April 22, coming on as a short substitute just before half-time. He followed that up with a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup, and in just three official games, he’s made a huge impact.
Connor Bradley and Jarel Kwansa, who have been getting regular chances this season and getting rave reviews, also had their moments today. They are all former Liverpool youth products. The Reds even got their youngest player, 2007-born Trey N’Gony, on the field in the 33rd minute as a substitute. The youngsters continued to shine and Liverpool went on to win 3-0.
Captain Van Dijk has a message for Liverpool’s youngsters. He said: “It’s huge to learn around the first team. You have to absorb everything and you can’t be too quick. In my 토토사이트 career I’ve seen players come through the ranks, make their debut and then disappear. They have to keep improving, keep working hard, it’s very important to stay humble,” he said.
“They need to be ready when we need them and not feel under pressure. They have to be able to show the qualities they have. They will have difficult moments and make mistakes. Jayden scored two goals, Kumas scored, 16-year-old Trey came on, Kwansa was outstanding again, Connor did well. It was an incredible night. You need to be hungry to want more, but if you stay patient and humble, you will get your chance,” he concluded with some heartfelt advice.