Liverpool's Rising Stars in the Carabao Cup

The Carabao Cup triumph of Liverpool was a unique accomplishment due to a variety of factors.

Liverpool began Jurgen Klopp's farewell with a fantastic victory of their tenth League Cup against arch-rivals Chelsea. What made it more extraordinary was their reliance on several young and inexperienced players, against one of the world's most costly squads.

Let us now delve deeper into the stories of Liverpool's emerging stars.

Age: 20Position: Right-back

By now, you should have familiarized yourself with Conor Bradley.

A native of Northern Ireland, Bradley joined the Liverpool team in his country at the age of nine. Owing to an injury to regular player Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bradley has frequently been featured in Liverpool's starting lineup in recent weeks, and has made a significant contribution.

On his Premier League debut against Bournemouth, Bradley managed to assist a goal. He then stole the limelight in the Carabao Cup final by playing as a makeshift winger and helped Liverpool win the league match against Chelsea in January with a goal and an assist.

Age: 21Position: Centre-back

Jarell Quansah is another who ought to be well-known by now, as he has the most experience in the first team among everyone on this list.

Quansah, a centre-back, was a part of the Carabao Cup final, coming off the bench for his 20th appearance for Liverpool. Earlier, he played major minutes in both the Premier League and Europa League, establishing himself as a prominent member of Klopp's team.

Living in the local area of Warrington, Quansah has been a part of Liverpool since he was just five years old.

Age: 19Position: Midfielder

Midfielder Bobby Clark made his ninth appearance for Liverpool as a substitute at Wembley. Clark joined from Newcastle United, where his father Lee made 240 appearances, in 2021.

When considering a transfer to Anfield, Klopp personally spoke with Clark, assuring him of a clear pathway to the first team if he committed himself. Klopp's assurance turned out to be prophetic.

Clark, an offensive-minded midfielder, began at the club largely playing as a winger, but now seems to have established himself in a central role.

Age: 19Position: Midfielder

James McConnell is another midfielder to burst onto the scene this season. At Wembley, McConnell made his seventh appearance of the campaign.

McConnell joined Liverpool when he was playing at the Under-15 level for Sunderland and has since been a major influence in Liverpool's academy. He has experienced playing in various attacking positions, but his performance as a central midfielder is what coaches regard to be his best. McConnell had his first senior-level matchday appearance on the opening day of the season, coincidentally against Chelsea.

Age: 18Position: Striker

Among all the Wembley appearances, the one that caught everyone by surprise was by 18-year-old Jayden Danns. Unlike others in the team, Danns had very little previous senior-level experience.

Danns got to play his first game for Liverpool as a last-minute substitute in the 4-1 victory over Luton, just before the Carabao Cup final. The last week has seen a meteoric rise in fame for Danns, who happens to be the son of former Liverpool player, Neil Danns.

Danns was scouted by Liverpool at the Under-7 level. After growing ten inches over eight months, he had to take leave from playing, but after adjusting to his new height, Danns became known as a prolific goalscorer. He has been frequently compared to Roberto Firmino for his skill in linking up play and dropping deep into the field.