The Carabao Cup quarter-finals have brought excitement, drama, and outstanding individual performances as four clubs secured their spots in the next stage of the competition. Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all emerged victorious in thrilling encounters, each club one step closer to lifting the first major trophy of the 2024/25 season.
With four intense matches played just before Christmas, the standout players from these quarter-finals were not always the usual suspects. From defenders stepping up in unfamiliar positions to strikers demonstrating clinical finishing, the performances in this round of the Carabao Cup will surely leave fans reminiscing for months to come.
In this article, we take a closer look at the four best players from each of the Carabao Cup quarter-final matches, evaluating their performances and highlighting why they earned their place in this prestigious list.
4. Wataru Endo (Liverpool) – The Unsung Hero of Liverpool’s Victory
Liverpool faced a tricky challenge at St. Mary’s against a Southampton team that, despite being managerless, has always posed a threat in the Carabao Cup. While the match was tightly contested, it was Wataru Endo who stood out as the best player on the pitch, even though Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Darwin Núñez all played key roles. The Japan international’s performance was instrumental in helping Liverpool secure a 1-0 win.
Endo had to step up in an unusual role for the match due to injuries in Liverpool’s defensive ranks and with Virgil van Dijk being rested. The midfielder, normally deployed in a more central role, was asked to play in the back four, and he did so with outstanding composure. His ability to adapt quickly to the unfamiliar position was impressive, and he dominated the match from the defensive perspective.
Not only did Endo show his defensive prowess by winning all of his tackles (four in total), but he was also solid in aerial duels, winning three out of five. His passing was precise, with no missteps throughout the game, and he was crucial in maintaining possession under pressure. His all-around performance was a reminder of the importance of a versatile player like Endo, capable of stepping into any role required by his manager.
Fotmob Rating: 8.0/10
3. Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur) – A Clinical Poacher
Dominic Solanke‘s performance in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals was nothing short of sensational. The Bournemouth forward, who is currently on loan at Spurs, scored a brace in a match where his poaching instincts and clinical finishing were on full display.
Solanke has always had a knack for finding the back of the net, but his two goals in this game showcased his ability to stay composed under pressure. The first goal was a true striker’s instinct, as Solanke reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box, finishing with precision at the near post. It was a goal that highlighted his awareness and his calmness when faced with a potential rebound.
His second goal was equally impressive, as he cut inside from the left side and drilled a low shot from 18 yards into the net. The technique and timing of the strike demonstrated Solanke’s growing confidence, and it was a timely reminder of his potential at the top level. His performance was vital for Spurs as they held off Manchester United’s pressure and progressed into the semi-finals.
Fotmob Rating: 8.9/10
2. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) – A Dominant Midfield Display
Sandro Tonali’s performance for Newcastle United in their 3-1 victory over Brentford was one of the standout individual displays of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The midfielder, who has had an eventful year following his betting ban and subsequent return to football, put on a show that surely raised the expectations of Newcastle fans for the remainder of the season.
Tonali, who was signed as the most expensive Italian player in history, scored twice in the first half alone. His first goal was a brilliant long-range strike that flew past the Brentford goalkeeper, showing his impressive technical ability from distance. His second goal, a calm volley from a corner, demonstrated his composure and sharp instincts in the box. The goals were especially impressive given that Tonali is not traditionally known for his goalscoring exploits, but this performance showed that he can provide a real attacking threat from midfield.
Tonali’s contribution didn’t stop at just goals. His overall performance was solid, with his work rate and ball-winning ability playing a crucial role in controlling the midfield throughout the match. It was clear that Tonali was relishing his newfound freedom in the Newcastle midfield, and his two goals helped secure a comfortable win for the Magpies, sending them into the semi-finals.
Fotmob Rating: 9.0/10
1. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) – A Hat-Trick to Remember
There was no doubting who the best player of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals was after Gabriel Jesus’s stunning hat-trick for Arsenal in their 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The Brazilian striker had been waiting for a goal at Emirates Stadium for exactly one year and a day, and when the chances finally came his way, he took them with ruthless efficiency.
The match had not started well for Arsenal, as they found themselves trailing to a shock Crystal Palace goal. The team appeared disjointed, but half-time substitutions helped shift the momentum, and Gabriel Jesus made sure to seize his opportunities. He was clinical in front of goal, finishing all three of his chances with precision and confidence.
The first of his three goals came after a well-timed run into the box, where he calmly finished past the goalkeeper to level the score. His second was a poacher’s finish, reacting fastest to a loose ball inside the six-yard box. The third and final goal was a well-taken strike from a tight angle, showcasing his composure in high-pressure situations.
Jesus’ hat-trick in such an important match was a reminder of his quality and his ability to perform in key moments. For a player who had been searching for his home goal for a year, this performance will go down as one of his best at Arsenal, and it propelled the team into the semi-finals with a commanding victory.
Fotmob Rating: 9.6/10
Conclusion
The Carabao Cup quarter-finals of 2024 were filled with excitement, surprise, and individual brilliance. Each of the four best players showcased their unique talents, whether it was Wataru Endo’s composed defensive performance, Dominic Solanke’s poaching prowess, Sandro Tonali‘s dominance in midfield, or Gabriel Jesus’s clinical hat-trick.
These performances not only helped their respective teams advance but also highlighted the talent and potential of each player involved. As the competition moves on to the semi-finals, fans will be eager to see if these players can continue to perform at the highest level and play a pivotal role in their teams’ pursuit of Carabao Cup glory.
