Lincoln City 2-7 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points as rampant Reds stroll to comprehensive victory | Carabao Cup 2020-21

#3 Curtis Jones looks increasingly like the real deal

Curtis Jones produced a top-class display once again

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.

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#2 Liverpool's centre back depth in a spot of bother

Virgil van Dijk is the only fit senior centre half for Liverpool as things stand

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.

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 🆚 @Arsenal 🔜#LFC | #CarabaoCup

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 24, 2020

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.

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#1 Impressive debuts for Tsimikas and Jota

Diogo Jota came on as a second-half substitute for Liverpool

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.

Diogo's debut 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Rto0fgq4DH

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 24, 2020

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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