da dobrowin： Mario Balotelli and Dejan Lovren got important goals for themselves last night, while a number of infrequent starters got a chance to impress in the dramatic last gasp Capital One Cup win over Swansea. Plenty to be cheerful about then, right? Yes, it may not be the most glamorous trophy, but English football’s third biggest pot of silver is one that Liverpool should really be looking to take advantage of this term, and here are FIVE reason why it really matters for them…
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Realistic shot at silverware
Last season was, arguably, Liverpool’s finest in recent memory. The Reds took the title battle to the final day of the season, and had it not been for an unfortunate loss at home to Chelsea they could well be playing with the gold crest on their arm this term. After a tricky start to the new campaign another shot at the big prize looks to be off the agenda, while Champions League glory is a pipedream nowadays for clubs outside of the very elite the continent has to offer.
So, with Brendan Rodgers eager to get his first trophy at Anfield the League Cup is one that really matters. With their name in the pot for the last eight, the Merseysiders have a better shot than most and can realistically aim for the trophy.
Trip to Wembley
The fabled trip to Wembley to watch their side in cup action is a little cliché, but fans still love travelling to the national stadium for the biggest games. Since its rebuild, Liverpool have rarely made journeys to the capital’s ‘home of football’ with the League Cup success of 2012 and the semi-final / final appearance in the FA Cup a matter of months later during the Kenny Dalglish era the only trips to speak of.
For a side of Liverpool’s stature, more regular showings at Wembley are a must.
Gives youngsters a chance
Some hate the League Cup for a perceived lack of importance, with younger players often given a chance to get on the pitch as their elders are rested for ‘more meaningful’ league and European games. Yet this season has given Liverpool fans reason to get on board with the competition, with youngsters such as Jordan Rossiter having been blooded. The starlet – dubbed the ‘new Steven Gerrard’ – scored in the clash with Middlesbrough and it would appear that this taste of senior action may well be a building block for a successful career.
Suso and Jordan Williams also got a run out on the same fame, with the former scoring a late goal. Should the run continue, then the new generation may get more minutes.
Gives fringe players a chance
Much like youngsters, those dipping in and out of the team have also benefitted at Liverpool this term. Although Mario Balotelli grabbed the headlines last night for his long-awaited goal, Fabio Borini produced one of his few notable performances in the red shirt. The little Italian played well from a wide role – usually occupied by Adam Lallana or Raheem Sterling – and swung in the cross for his aforementioned compatriot to net.
Lucas also got a run out whilst Lazar Markovic was afforded more time to find his feet – which he desperately needs after a difficult opening to his Anfield career.
Guaranteed route into Europe…
Although Champions League action is the aim and the Europa League is very much the competition’s ‘runt sibling’, continental action is still a positive and something Liverpool cannot really afford to pass on. In reality the Reds should have enough about them to gain entry to the tournament through their league position if the desire to stay at the big table ends in disappointment, but in a worst-case scenario the likes of Manchester United, Everton and even Spurs could finish ahead of them also. It may not be the big one, but it’s still worth some money and can help to attract players.