Manquillo: I dream about Wembley too
That a victory over Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup this evening would move Liverpool a step closer to playing at Wembley this season will be at the forefront of defender Javier Manquillo's thinking.
The 20-year-old full-back hopes to be part of the team that tackles the Championship leaders at the Goldsands Stadium tonight, having started each of the Reds' previous games in the competition - against Middlesbrough and Swansea City.
Brendan Rodgers' side enter the contest knowing that a win would set up a two-legged semi-final early next year, and thereby bring a journey to the home of English football more sharply into view.
Although Manquillo had spent the entirety of his career in Spain before sealing a loan switch to Liverpool last summer, it's a prospect that stirs special feelings within the No.19 too.
"I believe everybody who enjoys football dreams of playing a game at Wembley - more so if it's a cup final," he told Liverpoolfc.com ahead of the meeting with Bournemouth.
"Although I've never been to Wembley, I know it is such a great and iconic football stadium. Everybody says it's an incredible place.
"All games are very important here, whether it's in the league or a cup tournament. This is even more special as we can reach the cup semi-finals by winning the match."
There is an immediate task in hand, however, and a significant one too. Eddie Howe has overseen a remarkable recent run of form with Bournemouth, who have not suffered a defeat since September.
Manquillo can draw on the experiences of the aforementioned gruelling battles with Boro and Swansea - the former was decided only after 30 penalties in a shootout, and the latter courtesy of two late goals at the Kop end.
"The Middlesbrough game was a very hard one - but it was entertaining for the fans," said the defender, a scorer from 12 yards in that relentless spot-kick duel.
"Performance-wise, we had a much better game against Swansea. That was a good win and we are hopeful that will be the case again on Wednesday. We want not only to win but to win playing well.
"It has been a tough week. However, now we have to turn the page and focus on this game so we can try to reach the semi-finals. We'll work hard to win this great competition.
"A win is always welcome as it helps improve our confidence. That could only be good for everyone at the club and that's what we're going to try to do."