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Liverpool and Lincoln City played out an entertaining game at the C Stadium in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The Reds made several changes to their first-team squad but recorded a thumping 7-2 victory, as they set up a mouthwatering clash against Arsenal in the fourth round next week.
Jurgen Klopp handed debuts to new signings Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota, while academy defender Rhys Williams was given a rare start alongside Virgil van Dijk due to the club's injury crisis at the back. Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Grujic were also named in the starting XI, as a new-look Liverpool side produced a stunning display against the League One side.
Shaqiri broke the deadlock with a sensational free-kick in the first half, as the Swiss attacker capped off his return to the team in some style. Takumi Minamino and Curtis Jones both scored two goals apiece, with Grujic and Divock Origi completing the rout in the second half.
Lincoln pulled goals back through Tayo Edun and Lewis Montsma after a spirited showing in the second half. The home side might have lost comprehensively, but they impressed after the interval and got two deserved goals against a much-changed Liverpool backline.
In what was one of the most goal-laden cup ties in recent months, here are the talking points from the game.
#5 Rhian Brewster missing as permanent transfer edges closer
Liverpool fielded a much-changed line-up and handed debuts to as many as three players, with Klopp using the domestic cup to test out his fringe players. Rhian Brewster, however, was not part of the matchday squad, as the young Englishman edges closer to leaving the club.
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with moves for the Englishman, with Sheffield United believed to be leading the race to secure his signature. Brewster spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea City and made quite an impression, as he scored ten goals and spearheaded them to a spot in the playoffs.
With Liverpool boasting arguably the best front three in the world and competent backups with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and new signing Diogo Jota, Brewster's chances of breaking into the first team look slim as things stand.
The 20-year-old is expected to have his future resolved in the coming days, having been left out of the squad altogether for the trip to Lincoln.
#4 Takumi Minamino continues to go from strength to strength for Liverpool
Takumi Minamino was handed a start against the League One side and made his opportunity count in some style, as he scored a brace either side of halftime and also set up a goal for Divock Origi. The Japanese international is looking increasingly like the player he was at Red Bull Salzburg, as he continues to impress with his energy, deftness and linkup play.
Having scored a beautiful goal in the first half, Minamino was alert inside the penalty area and slotted home a rebound into the empty net, as he capped off a fine display with two well-deserved goals.
The versatile attacker was also singled out for special praise by Klopp after the game, having produced a stunning display away from home.
"I loved Taki's game tonight - outstanding. Involved in so many good situations."
The 25-year-old is a top-class backup option for the Reds and has already scored three goals this season, having notched up the equalizer against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.
Also Read: Reports: Burnley in talks with Liverpool for Harry Wilson
#3 Curtis Jones looks increasingly like the real deal
Curtis Jones was in the thick of the action and was arguably one of the best players on the pitch, as he scored two stunning goals and impressed throughout the game.
The young Scouser is already a member of the Liverpool first team and looks set to play a key role for the club this season, with Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on him several times in the past 12 months. Starting in an advanced midfield position, Jones's energy in the centre of the park rubbed off on the rest of the teammates, while his shooting prowess was also on show in the first half.
The 19-year-old made a big impression last season and has carried on from where he left off. Jones is arguably one of the most slept-on young players in the Premier League and looks increasingly like the real deal for Liverpool.
#2 Liverpool's centre back depth in a spot of bother
With Joe Gomez and Joel Matip injured, Virgil van Dijk was the only senior fit central defender for the Reds. The Dutchman, who is often rested for cup games, was handed a start, with academy graduate Rhys Williams playing alongside him. While Lincoln didn't pose much of a threat, Liverpool are desperately short at the back and cannot afford to have any more injuries.
Van Dijk was substituted at half time for Fabinho, who produced an outstanding display as a centre half against Chelsea. Liverpool opted not to dip into the transfer market to replace Dejan Lovren and it remains to be seen if they made the right decision, with Fabinho set to deputize in that position if the situation calls for it.
The Brazilian did his reputation no harm against Chelsea and Lincoln, but the Reds are one injury away from having serious problems at the back.
#1 Impressive debuts for Tsimikas and Jota
While Thiago Alcantara made his Liverpool debut against Chelsea and produced an impressive showing, Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota made their first appearances for the club in the Carabao Cup. The former was handed a start at left-back and showed glimpses of what he's about, with his industry, work rate and crossing ability on display a handful of times.
Jota, on the other hand, came off the bench as a second-half substitute and looked lively on his debut. The Portuguese attacker nearly got his name on the scoresheet, as his right-footed shot late in the game fizzed narrowly past the post.
Liverpool have bolstered their with three quality additions and have a squad that is capable of competing on all fronts this season. Tsimikas and Jota impressed on their debuts and could have key roles for play for the Reds in the coming months.
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