The FA Cup third round begins on Friday with Swindon Town hosting Manchester City — (stream all games LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.) — and as England’s biggest teams enter the competition, it means we’ll get a good look at the next generation of young stars set to break through. The FA Cup has been a launch pad for elite talent in the past; here are the names you want to watch out for this weekend.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
Debut: Sept. 21, 2021, vs. Norwich City, Carabao Cup
Why they’re on the list: Liverpool have used the FA Cup in the past to give youngsters a shout. In the 2019-20 campaign, they faced Everton first up and used that as an opportunity to give Curtis Jones a chance to shine. Fast forward two years and he’s a bona-fide first-team player under Jurgen Klopp. With Shrewsbury travelling to Anfield on Sunday (9 a.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+ in the U.S.) and with Liverpool battling a lengthy list of absentees due to COVID-19, the Africa Cup of Nations and injury, they are likely to turn to youth once again for the visit of the League One side.
Morton, 19, has come through this season and after making his debut in the Carabao Cup in September, has since started two Champions League matches against FC Porto and AC Milan, and featured in two Premier League games. The combative central midfielder has already impressed Klopp, and is turning the head of his teammates.
“The first time Tyler came, I said ‘who is this player?’ as he was training amazingly with us and he deserved to be part of the team,” Thiago Alcantara said. “I think he will have a bright and great career here at Liverpool and in football in general.” — Tom Hamilton
Kaide Gordon | 17 | Winger | Liverpool
Debut: Sept. 21, 2021, vs. Norwich City, Carabao Cup
Why they’re on the list: Liverpool fought off rival interest from Manchester United and Tottenham to sign then-16-year-old Gordon in a £1m deal from Championship side Derby County last summer….
Source : espn
