,” Phillips tells BBC Sport, expressing his excitement with enthusiasm. “I ran upstairs screaming at my missus. I couldn’t believe it, I’m still a massive Liverpool fan.” Despite his undying support for Liverpool, Phillips acknowledges that the prospect of playing against them now is both surreal and exciting.
Yoganathan’s Unique Path: A Trailblazer
Vimal Yoganathan, who turns 20 on Tuesday, brings a unique perspective to this match. His journey from a ball boy at Anfield in 2018 to becoming the first Tamil footballer to score in English football is nothing short of remarkable. “A lot of their players in their career may not even play at one of them so it’s mad that I get to do all three in the space of just over a year,” Yoganathan explains, highlighting the serendipitous nature of his career path. His family hails from Sri Lanka, and growing up in Trelawnyd, North Wales, Yoganathan’s story is a testament to the potential of underrepresented communities in football.
Barnsley’s History Against Liverpool
The history between Barnsley and Liverpool at Anfield is rich with memorable moments. In 2008, Barnsley knocked out Liverpool from the FA Cup, a victory that many on the team remember vividly. Phillips was part of the squad back then, and he’s eager to build upon that success. “There’s no point turning up if you don’t believe,” Phillips adds, expressing his determination for a win against their former club.
Barnsley’s last defeat at Liverpool came in 1959, but the team is looking forward to another upset. As Yoganathan puts it, “It’ll be a special experience.” The duo, along with other Liverpool fans in the squad, are keen on marking this momentous occasion by swapping shirts and perhaps even enjoying the atmosphere of Anfield once more.
Conclusion
A Match Filled with Emotions
The match between Barnsley and Liverpool is not just about football; it’s a story of personal triumph and collective nostalgia. For Phillips, Yoganathan, and their teammates, this game represents much more than a simple fixture on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to write a new chapter in their careers while honoring the dreams that once defined them.
