Ahead of the game against Midtjylland, Liverpool’s place in the Round of 16 had already been confirmed. In truth, the fixture had no meaning for the Reds. Instead, it offered perhaps the more important chance to rest some key players. Yet, once again, despite the resting of several players, it was a record-breaking night in the Liverpool ranks.
In fact, it only took 57 seconds for a record to be broken when Mohamed Salah capitalized on a poor pass to run through on goal to step above perhaps the greatest Liverpool icon of all time in Steven Gerrard.
The earliest Liverpool strike in Champions League history confirmed the Egyptian’s place as the top goalscorer in the Reds’ Champions League history.
Billy Koumetio then entered proceedings at the turn of the half to not only make his Champions League debut but also become the youngest player to ever play for the Reds in the European Cup at 18-years and 25 days old.
The defender overtakes Antonio Barragan in the record-breaking books who was 18 years and 59 days old when he made his debut in 2005.
Record-Breaking Liverpool Finish Group Stage With Draw
Another Game, Another Debut From the Academy
Nobody can argue that Liverpool have been one of the best teams in the world, if not the best, in the last two years, but there was always one feature which they seemed to lack: a flourishing academy.
And, this may not be down to the academy being surplus to requirements. After all, you’re asking players to step up from youth level and into the best side in the world, who were previously without any injury concerns.
The fact is, you would have to find a pretty special talent to replace many players in the Liverpool line-up. With that in mind, opportunities only came in FA Cup games and League Cup games- two competitions the Reds never go far in. So, again, without the chance, the academy seemed unlikely to flourish.
Yet, here it is. In the face of an injury crisis, it has stepped up. And have Jurgen Klopp’s side shown any signs of slowing down because of the introduction of youth? Of course not. Instead, they have continued to impress- sitting second in the Premier League only on goal difference, and progressing through the Champions League group stages as table-toppers.
And, the academy deserves a large percentage of the credit for the Reds’ continuation of success this season. Rhys Williams has gone from Non-League loan to stardom when asked to step up. Neco Williams has stepped in to comfortably replace Trent Alexander-Arnold when asked to do so.
Caoimhin Kelleher has, too, unexpectedly blossomed in the absence of Alisson Becker. Now, in the most recent introductions, Leighton Clarkson had a comfortable night in midfield, and the aforementioned Koumetio entered the game to seal his place in the record books.
Jurgen Klopp’s men, whether it is the more inexperienced players, or, indeed, those who have a Premier League winners medal to their name, have continued to flourish this season.
Fabinho Proves Importance
To be one of the best players in one position is a difficult feat. But, here Fabinho is as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and now one of the best central defenders.
The Brazilian has made replacing Virgil van Dijk look an easy job at times. Now, whenever without him, his importance is clear for all to see. And that was very much the case against Midtjylland.
The midfielder turned defender took a much-needed rest, withdrawing at halftime, and the Reds instantly looked on the back foot. In truth, it was the home side who should have come away with all three points having had the better chances.
It wasn’t to be, however, on perhaps the biggest night in their history. A second-half penalty, alongside another baffling VAR decision, earned Midtjylland a well-earned point, though, against a world-class, yet rotated, and, ultimately, record-breaking Liverpool side.
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