Liverpool prides itself on being a family club, but the idea that trophy success is in their DNA has never been taken so literally.
Two teenage sons of former Liverpool academy players kept Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple dreams intact and ensured Manchester United were the next obstacle on the FA Cup trail.
Jayden Danns’ father Neil is currently the assistant manager of Tranmere Rovers. Lewis Koumas’ father Jason used to play for Tranmere. Add to that the impressive 19-year-old Bobby Clark, son of ex-Newcastle United midfielder Lee, who claimed an assist in the 3-0 win over Southampton, and this looked more like a family tree than a Christmas tree formation.
Who will Klopp call next? Perhaps Zac Jagielka, son of former Everton skipper Phil, who recently joined Liverpool’s academy. And then there is Prince Cisse in the youth academy, son of Champions League winner Djibril.
The number of sons of former players who attract attention is so large. One wonders if youth scouts across the country are now showing up in maternity wards with their clipboards, the next generation of data analysts preparing spreadsheets on the most productive gene pools.
Danns savored the moment after his late double completed two mirror-image halves. Southampton started well and were frustrated by the brilliant Caoimhin Kelleher before Liverpool’s improvement belied their youth.
Danns was the first to whom Klopp offered his signature hug. After accepting the cheers from all corners of Anfield, the striker paused before entering the players’ tunnel. The quality of his finishing was so high, he looked like yet another homegrown star in the making. He has 23 appearances in 24 appearances in all competitions this season, but none of the games he has previously played at this level.
His contribution was much-needed as Liverpool hunted for goals to quell the threat from Southampton. Danns’ first in the 73rd minute was a clever chip over keeper Joe Lumley, his second two minutes from time sharp and reactive after Conor Bradley’s effort was pushed away.
Koumas had earlier picked his spot after a lengthy passing move, giving Liverpool the lead just before half-time.
That is a doubling for the Koumas family. Twenty-three years ago, Koumas Snr scored for Tranmere in a famous FA Cup win at Everton, later going on to strike out for Gerard Houllier’s treble winners.
With perfect timing, Koumas Jr. asked. the Anfield DJ to play The Who’s The children are fine during the break. Another classic, Teen Kickswould have been just as appropriate.
Klopp is pleased that his side have made history at Anfield during his nine-year reign. Here they have done it again. No Liverpool team has had two 18-year-old goalscorers in the same match before.
“I can’t imagine what this week feels like for the boys. It feels quite good for me,” said Klopp. “It’s academy week. It is exceptional.”
Klopp even compared his protégés to the other teenage sensation of 2024, Luke Littler. “It’s a bit like the new darts sensation,” said Klopp. “It’s fine tonight, but let them improve from tomorrow.”
To be fair, the goal-scoring duo always expected to perform in the cup this week. The crucial difference is that they were due to play Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup at Elland Road on Thursday. Speaking of rapid promotion, the goals they scored with such aplomb ensured that what was already a proud week for Liverpool’s youth academy was gilt-edged.
Even by the standards of his extraordinary reign, Klopp can hardly believe in the maturity and excellence of his young talents. It’s as if the manager ends his career at Liverpool by taking part in football’s most romantic experiment. The working hypothesis is that no matter who wears the red shirt, everything is achievable under his command. He makes newcomers believe they are veterans.
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Chelsea played against the Liverpool badge rather than those wearing it in extra time at Wembley. Southampton had chances, but ultimately fell into the same trap.
The number of recognized Liverpool first-team players currently unavailable stands at twelve, and the names of those called up from the academy require extensive use of search engines. Klopp even deployed Joe Gomez as a No. 6 in deep midfield to spare Alexis Mac Allister for another 90 minutes. He didn’t look out of place and Klopp offered him a special tribute.
There was regret for Southampton coach Russell Martin as his side got into the race early and continued to create chances.
“I don’t think 3-0 is a fair reflection,” he said. “We should have been one or two ahead before they scored. So I am proud of the players.”
Still, this wasn’t exactly a Championship team against a Premier League XI.
The past four days have magnified the magnificence of Klopp’s coaching skills. Regardless of the personnel, the style, the system and the courage required of the player is the same: the red shirts press high, terrier-like to win possession.
“We have a very close relationship with the academy,” said Klopp, who has not stopped beaming with pride since stepping into Wembley.
“The way Liverpool want to play is clear. It was set up by me [in this era], but the club has to agree on that and everyone has agreed to that. You have to make sure that these exceptional talents understand that a football match starts with defense. The boys have really made great strides. We still have a lot to develop and they are still growing. It’s special. I’ve never experienced that before, where we play with kids and still win football games.”
Is this winning run sustainable without the quick return of the senior cavalry? Probably not, but nothing can diminish the performance of the past few days.
“We haven’t won a trophy since Sunday afternoon,” sang a jubilant Kop. They don’t believe that Klopp and his children have finished collecting cups yet.