Loris Karius story is where the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle and Manchester United will be won and lost.
Loris Karius faded from prominence following his infamous howlers for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, but the German is now Newcastle's keeper in the Carabao Cup final.
The story of this year's Carabao Cup final has numerous facets.
The Newcastle fairytale, Erik ten Hag's first trip to Wembley as Manchester United manager, and a clash of the titans as two English football titans square off. But the final will also feature one of those amazing twists of fate, as all eyes will be on Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius.
What an incredible comeback story, the possibility of redemption, and, ultimately, the location of the showpiece final. Karius, 29, has simply vanished since his two gaffes in Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper never fully recovered. It's difficult to think of another player whose career has crashed so spectacularly as a result of a single crushing defeat.
Liverpool went on to sign Alisson Becker in a record £66 million deal for a goalkeeper, while Karius was loaned out to Besiktas, played for Union Berlin, returned to Liverpool, and then joined Newcastle almost under the radar.
But, in reality, everyone had forgotten he was even present. He was Nick Pope's backup, and it was only the Newcastle keeper's red card, combined with Martin Dubravka's cup-tied status, that put Karius back in the firing line.
Karius will appear out of nowhere to be either Newcastle's cup final hero... or suffer another crushing defeat and fade away from view.
And there can't be a better story for the neutral than Karius making a sensational comeback. This is the essence of football. Heroic tales, fairy tales, and glory.
Manchester United must begin as the favorite. Their progress has been nothing short of remarkable under ten Hag. United dominated Barcelona on Thursday night, and they are riding the crest of a wave.
United are still in the title race, have a chance to win the quadruple, and could win their first trophy under ten Hag at Wembley. All things considered, they should win.
This would be Newcastle's first major trophy in 68 years. This Sunday, it appears that the entire city is planning to decamp to Wembley. Eddie Howe has restored hope and a football team to an entire city. Whether or not it is owned by Saudi Arabia, it is still a fantastic story.
Sunday also demonstrates and emphasizes the significance and value of the Carabao Cup. It's a dream ending. A timely reminder that this trophy is important. Loris Karius is at the center of it all. A fantastic story, the kind that football serves.
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