Jurgen Klopp has used a familiar trick to hint at next Liverpool masterplan

The League Cup will always have a very particular place in the story of Jurgen Klopp's time in charge at Liverpool.

The competition gave Klopp his first victory as Reds manager with a 1-0 home win over Bournemouth back in October 2015 and, four months later, provided his first final appearance in the Anfield hotseat.

It has also given the Liverpool boss a platform on which he can assess claims of fringe players, give welcome minutes to those who require game time and, perhaps most importantly, consider the progress of the latest raft of Academy graduates.

Indeed, when Alexis Mac Allister emerged from the bench at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, he became the 96th different player Klopp has used in 28 League Cup ties.

Liverpool consider Diogo Jota position as Jurgen Klopp confronts new midfield question

Erik ten Hag has made fatal mistake Jurgen Klopp avoided that could cost him Man United job

The calm, composed performance of Jarell Quansah at centre-back was the major bonus of the evening, his unflustered approach in such stormy weather conditions hardly that of a youngster making only his fourth start as a Liverpool player.

Each player is their own and the 20-year-old is only just beginning his career journey, but it was impossible not to see shades of certain past Liverpool centre-backs in the manner he brought the ball out of defence and covered ground quickly. And his physical stature means he already looks prepared to feature more regularly at the highest level.

Quansah had 114 touches during the game - 39 more than the next player - which highlighted not only that he was understandably targeted by Bournemouth's attack, but the confidence his team-mates have in his use of possession. "On the ball, he did