Jurgen Klopp was responsible for creating a furor online after Liverpool posted their teamsheet with Kaide Gordon starting up top alongside Bobby Firmino and Diogo Jota.
It’s a huge show of faith in the 17-year-old after posting some commendable performances on the pitch for the senior team of late, notably grabbing the equalising goal in the Reds’ 4-1 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.
Coming up against Premier League opposition in Arsenal, however, it will be quite a different challenge for the teenager to prove his credentials.
With Taki Minamino available for selection, of course, this was hardly a decision governed by necessity and there can be no questioning the confidence Klopp will have in the highly-rated, ex-Derby starlet.
Considering how Harvey Elliott made the jump up to the senior side for us at the age of 18, it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility for Gordon to establish himself as an option in the squad if he can continue to demonstrate his potential on the pitch.
Being an integral presence in a semi-final game, with it all to play for ahead of a Wembley final meeting with Chelsea, is certainly a good place to start in that regard.
You can catch some of the fan reaction below:
Kaide Gordon is in the starting eleven against Arsenal.
Could be his breakthrough game.— palash singh (@palashs02285788) January 20, 2022
Jones and Gordon ball tonight😍
— José (@Joseph_Ellis9) January 20, 2022
Gordon has a chance to make a name tonight
— Callum (@__Callum28) January 20, 2022
Huge night for Kaide Gordon. Kelleher back in the Carabao Cup https://t.co/4qHBoaiIkg
— RougeMen:EF (@RougeMEF) January 20, 2022
Big game for Gordon, what a game it would be to make an impact. Come on reds 🔴 https://t.co/ysk5FCaM2U
— Amy (@Ifcamy) January 20, 2022