Seven reasons to fall in love with the magic of the League Cup in its all-new

WHEN it comes to the League Cup, or EFL Cup as it is known this season, we’ve heard it all.

‘Nobody cares about the League Cup’ some cry, some call it the ‘kids cup’, while others even dubbed it the ‘Worthless Cup’ back in its Worthington Cup days.

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But not any more. It’s time to embrace the EFL Cup… And SunSport gives you seven reasons why.

Let’s start with the big one…

NODDY NO MORE

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ONCE upon a time, the League Cup was simply a cup for the smaller fish in the pond, the tournament the so-called little club vied to win, as it was simply their only legitimate chance for silverware.

But now, nothing is further from the truth.

Exhibit A, Manchester City have got their hands on the trophy two years in a row, beating Liverpool on penalties last season and Sunderland the year before.

If mega-money City want to win it all, you’d better believe they all do.

Even on Monday, just 24 hours before the third round fixtures begin, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: “We’re in it to win it.

Fighting talk indeed…

EU GOTTA TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

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EUROPEAN football… It’s what every club strives for, whether Man United or Morecambe.

Any club taking part in the EFL Cup has the chance to break into Europe, with the tournament winners getting a spot in the Europa League.

Incentive not only for lower league clubs, but also mid-table and below Prem sides, knowing their only realistic route into the pinnacle of club football, Europe, comes thanks to the EFL Cup.

CAN’T WIN ANYTHING WITH KIDS?

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WHILE clubs are taking the tournament seriously, the early stages of the League Cup is often a chance for bosses to give their host of talented youngsters a run out.

With the Premier League a brutal, unforgiving mistress, top chiefs tend to play it safe and stick with the tried and tested.

So when the first round or two of the cup starts, you’ll often find an array of teenagers given their shot.

It’s an exciting moment for the player himself, the bosses and even the fans.

Everyone loves the emergence of a new club icon.

FRINGE BENEFIT

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NOW it’s not just the youngsters. What about the squad rotation players too?

Often first choice stoppers are given their first rest of the campaign – same for any position really – and the under-appreciated star not even deemed worthy for the bench gets the nod in the starting XI.

It’s their shot to make themselves a hero… And many in the past have done just that.

After all, Vito Mannone was the hero as Sunderland beat Man United back in 2015, while Willy Caballero…