Dunnes had a memorable week for Liverpool, making his debut, winning the League Cup and now scoring twice in front of Cop Credit : Getty Images/Andrew Powell
Liverpool prides itself on being a family club, but never has the idea of trophy success in its DNA been taken so literally.
Two Sons -Teenage former Liverpool academy players have kept Jurgen Klopp's quadruple title dreams intact and set Manchester United as the next challenge to the FA Cup.
Jayden Danns' father Neil is currently assistant manager at Tranmere Rovers. Lewis Coumas' father Jason formerly played for Tranmere. Add the impressive 19-year-old Bobby Clarke, son of former Newcastle United midfielder Lee, who provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Southampton, and it was more like a family tree than the formation of a Christmas tree.< /p >
Who will Klopp call up next? Possibly Zak Jagielka, son of former Everton captain Phil, who recently joined Liverpool's academy. And in the youth ranks there is Prince Cisse, the son of Champions League winner Djibril.
Such is the number of ex-player sons who have attracted attention, one wonders whether youth scouts across the country are now turning up in maternity wards with their tablets, The next generation of data analysts is preparing tables on the most productive gene pools.
Dunnes savored the moment after his late brace capped two halves that were mirror images as Southampton started well and were disappointed by the brilliant Caoimhin Kelleher before Liverpool's improvement belied their youth.
Dunnes was the first to whom Klopp offered his trademark hug. After receiving cheers from across Anfield, the striker paused before entering the players' tunnel. The quality of his finishing was such that he looked like another budding homegrown star. He has 23 goals in 24 games in all competitions this season, although no one has reached that level before.
His contribution was much needed as Liverpool were hunting for goals to fend off Southampton's threat. Dunns's first goal in the 73rd minute was a tricky beat over goalkeeper Joe Lumley, and his second two minutes before the end of the game was precise and reactive after Conor Bradley's attempt was saved.
Klopp Children continue to create 🔴
This finish from Jayden Danns 😍#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/ZwVHUYsnZt
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 28, 2024
Worth watching 👁️
Jayden Danns is in for a night to remember 🙌#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com /vuiS8IDGu7
— ITV Football (@itvfootball), February 28, 2024
Koumas had earlier picked his spot after a long pass to give Liverpool the lead just before half-time.
This is a kind of double for the Kumas family. Twenty-three years ago, Coumas Snr scored for Tranmere in the famous FA Cup win over Everton, before moving on to play for Gerard Houllier's treble winner.
It was just in time that Coumas Snr approached the Anfield DJ to play The Who& #39;s The Kids. Everything is fine during the break. Another classic, Teenage Kicks, would be perfect.
Lewis Koumas' first start and first goal 👏
What a moment for an 18 year old!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/PSueI6vJkj
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 28, 2024
Klopp is delighted his side have made history at Anfield during his nine years in charge. They did it again here. No Liverpool team has ever had two 18-year-old goalscorers in the same game before.
“I can't imagine how this week is going through for the boys. I’m very pleased,” Klopp said. “It's academy week. This is exceptional.”
Klopp even compared his protégés to fellow 2024 teenage sensation Luke Littler. «It's a bit like the new darts sensation,» Klopp said. “Tonight everything is fine, but from tomorrow let them improve.”
To be fair, the scoring duo were always expected to perform in the cup this week. The critical difference was that they were due to face Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup at Elland Road on Thursday. In terms of rapid promotion, the goals they achieved with such aplomb ensured that what was already a proud week for Liverpool's academy was crowned with gold.
Even by his standards After an outstanding reign, Klopp can hardly believe in the maturity and excellence of his young players. It's as if the manager ends his Liverpool career by taking part in football's most romantic experiment. The working hypothesis is that no matter who wears the red shirt, anything can be achieved under his command. He makes newcomers believe that they are veterans.
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In extra time at Wembley, Chelsea played against the Liverpool badge, not those who wore it. Southampton had their chances but ultimately fell into the same trap.
The number of established Liverpool first team players currently unavailable is 12, and the names of those called up from the academy require extensive use of search engines. . Klopp even used Joe Gomez as a sixth midfielder to save Alexis McAllister another 90 minutes. He did not look out of place and Klopp paid special tribute to him.
Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed regret as his side began to run forward and continued to create opportunities.
“I don’t think 3-0 is a fair reflection,” he said. “We should have been ahead by one or two goals before they scored. That's why I'm proud of the players.”
However, it was not quite a championship match against a Premier League XI.
The last four days have once again demonstrated the brilliance of Klopp's coaching abilities. No matter what personnel, style, system and courage is required from a player, it is the same — the red shirts press high like terriers to win the ball.
“We have a very close relationship with the academy,” said Klopp, who remained beaming with pride after stepping out at Wembley.
“The way Liverpool want to play is clear. It was created by me [at the time], but the club needs to agree on it and everyone agreed to it. You need to make sure that these exceptional talents understand that a football game starts with defense. The guys have made really big steps. We have a lot of development to do, but they are still growing. It's special. I've never had this experience before where we play with kids and still win football games.”
Will this winning streak be sustainable without a quick return of the senior cavalry? Probably not, but nothing can take away from the achievements of recent days.
“We haven't won a trophy since Sunday afternoon,” sang a jubilant Kop. They don't believe that Klopp and his children aren't done collecting trophies yet.
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