His Brain Wasn't Enough

Liverpool had signed him six months ago, but Gareth Barry still sometimes felt as if he were dreaming.

For example, right now.

Three o'clock in the afternoon on March 1, 2009, at Wembley Stadium in London.

The League Cup final!

This was the first final of Gareth Barry's career. Although it was only the League Cup final, it was still the most important match of his career so far, without a doubt.

The League Cup was considered a consolation prize, but that was only in comparison to the giants. For Gareth Barry, who had spent most of his career at Aston Villa, the League Cup was not a consolation prize, but a prestigious honor.

What made Gareth Barry even more fortunate was that he had earned a starting spot.

A week ago, the team had thrashed Real Madrid 4–0 away from home, with Gareth Barry starting as the left defensive midfielder and putting in a steady performance.

Three days ago, the team had beaten Middlesbrough 2–0 away from home. Gareth Barry had been rotated by the Head Coach and had not gotten any playing time. The whole purpose had been to let him start tonight's League Cup final.

Also rested was the team's core player, Yang Yang, who had broken Real Madrid, along with Mascherano in midfield.

Gerrard and Xabi Alonso had returned from injury and, with Lucas Leiva's help, orchestrated the 2–0 away victory over Middlesbrough. Both players were sitting on the bench.

Against Manchester United, Liverpool Head Coach Benitez had changed the formation, adopting a 4-4-2 Formation. Yang Yang and the returning Crouch partnered up front, Gareth Bale and Benayoun operated on the wings, while Gareth Barry and Mascherano partnered as the Double Defensive Midfielders.

The Head Coach's strategy was obvious: Liverpool intended to fight Manchester United