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Carabao Cup

Capital One Cup Quarter-Finals: Team of the Round

3 December 2015

The Capital One Cup Semi-Final contestants were decided this week, and clubs are now just two games away from an appearance at Wembley Stadium.

With the help of fans on our social media channels, we've picked the best XI and a manager from the four Quarter-Final ties.

Goalkeeper: Joel Robles (Everton)

Robles returned between the sticks for Everton's tricky away tie at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, and put in an assuring display.

The 25-year-old pulled off a series of fine stops at an atmospheric Riverside Stadium, keeping out two fierce efforts from Stewart Downing in each half.

Defender: Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)

The left-back has found a new lease of life under manager Jurgen Klopp, and was at his best against Southampton.

The Spaniard was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet in Liverpool's 6-1 win over Southampton, after his rasping shot was poked into the net by Divock Origi. However, he capped a fine performance with a pinpoint cross to Jordan Ibe for Liverpool's fifth.

Defender: Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton)

The young Argentine has earned many plaudits for his performances at centre half of late, and he showed why when Everton took on Middlesbrough.

His partnership with John Stones saw the Toffees to a clean sheet, with Funes Mori making a host of blocks and interceptions to keep the hosts at bay.

Read more: Capital One Cup Semi-Final draw

Defender: Phil Bardsley (Stoke City)

After coming on at half-time in Stoke City's clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the Britannia Stadium, Phil Bardsley made sure of the Potters' place in the last four of the Capital One Cup.

The defender was teed up for a shot at goal from a free-kick, and launched a thumping 30-yard effort which crashed in off the post to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.



Midfielder: Joe Allen (Liverpool)

The Welshman is another player who appears rejuvenated under Klopp. Allen was everywhere in the first half against the Saints and put Daniel Sturridge through on goal with an exquisite pass which put the Reds ahead.

Allen may not have started many games in the Premier League, but his performance in the Capital One Cup will have given his manager something to think about.

Midfielder: Ibrahim Afellay (Stoke City)

Afellay was the star of the show at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke reached the last four of the Capital One Cup at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Dutchman was the creative force behind all of the Potters' good work, and scored the game's opening goal with a beautifully controlled volley.

Read more: Mark Hughes hails Stoke City's squad depth after win over Sheffield Wednesday

Midfielder: David Silva (Manchester City)

Silva made his first City start for two months in Tuesday night's win over Hull City, and was handed the captain's armband for the evening.

The Spaniard influenced proceedings in the middle of the park, pulling all the strings in a comfortable 4-1 victory for the Premier League leaders.



Midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

De Bruyne made one and scored two as City progressed to the Capital One Cup Semi-Finals.

Wilfriend Bony pounced after the Belgian struck the post with an early effort, but the woodwork wouldn't deny De Bruyne later in the game, and he added a second-half brace in the 4-1 win.

Read more: Capital One Cup Quarter-Final review

Midfielder: Gerard Deulofeu (Everton)

Deulofeu made our Team of Round 2, and he returns to the line-up after another dazzling display for Everton, against Middlesbrough.

The Spanish winger scored a superb solo goal to put the Toffees in front at the Riverside Stadium, and he then turned provider for Romelu Lukaku to wrap up victory.

Read more: Roberto Martinez delighted to see Everton reach Capital One Cup Semi-Finals



Divock Origi (Liverpool)

Origi was the star of the show against Southampton, demonstrating an array of talents when netting a hat-trick in Liverpool's emphatic win.

His first goal was a real poacher's effort, tapping in following Moreno's strike. He then neatly finished following a surging run to double his tally, before completing his treble with a simple header.

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

He's back! After recent injury troubles, Sturridge returned to the Reds starting line-up with a trademark performance that included netting  a brace.

Both goals were typical of the striker, involving quick movement and potent finishing, as he turned the game around following Southampton's early opener.



Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

The German has made an immediate impact at Liverpool, and his side's Capital One Cup performance could be considered one of the best in his short tenure.

Klopp is now just two games away from reaching his first final in English football, and only Stoke City stand in his way of a trip to Wembley Stadium with the Reds.

Read more: "It was a good one" - Jurgen Klopp revels in Liverpool victory


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