After being subbed off, Klopp waited on the touchline to give Leo Lin a hug, while Krawietz handed him a towel.
Leo Lin strolled back to the bench, calmly settling in to watch the rest of the match.
At full time, Liverpool sealed a 2–0 win over Hoffenheim, firmly taking control of the qualification tie.
A system notification sounded in Leo Lin's mind. He gained another 15 points—10 for the victory, plus a bonus 5 for an outstanding performance.
His total points had now reached 240.
"Full-time!" Jon Champion sounded genuinely delighted, though he tried hard to rein in his excitement and keep his tone neutral.
"In the first leg of the Champions League playoff, Liverpool defeat Hoffenheim 2–0!"
"A thoroughly satisfying performance. Firmino and Salah got the goals, but midfielder Leo Lin was just as impressive—registering an assist and showcasing tremendous interception ability."
"We can say it with confidence now: Leo Lin fits the template of a true all-round midfielder, a rare profile in today's game."
"Give him enough time, and I believe he can grow into an all-action midfielder in the mold of Yaya Touré or Matthäus!"
The broadcast camera cut to Leo Lin. Although the official Man of the Match award went to Salah, there was no denying Leo Lin's impact.
More importantly, this young player had burst onto the scene like a dark horse. Many fans were stunned to realize that since Leo Lin's emergence, attention had quietly drifted away from nearly every other young English prospect.
All eyes were now fixed on this midfielder.
Part of the attention stemmed from the on-pitch altercation before his move to Liverpool, followed by viral clips of him bulldozing through youth league matches—especially that infamous "clock-out-at-halftime" moment that swept across the internet.
Then came his Premier League debut, where he stood his ground against Chalobah and Cleverley. And now, in the Champions League playoff, Leo Lin revealed an even more complete version of himself.
Everyone knew Liverpool had been lacking in midfield. Since Gerrard's departure, fans seemed to find something missing in every midfielder who wore red.
Gerrard had set the bar impossibly high, leaving supporters with enormous expectations.
And now Leo Lin had finally begun to meet some of those expectations. Though still developing, his potential was plain for all to see.
With the match over and the desired result secured, Liverpool's players sang victory songs all the way back to England on the flight home.
After landing, Firmino drove Leo Lin back to the hotel. It wasn't exactly on the way, but Firmino was more than happy to build a closer relationship with him.
As the two cruised along, chatting casually, an unfamiliar message suddenly popped up on Leo Lin's phone.
It was a video from Ocho, inviting Leo Lin to join him at a celebration party for English youth players.
Most of the players attending this youth party were signed to Barnett's agency.
Barnett was a well-known power broker in English football, representing many promising young domestic players and guiding them toward the top five leagues. That reputation alone made him hugely popular among young English talents.
This gathering was Barnett's agency's customary pre-season celebration, and some newly signed players would also be attending.
The purpose of these parties was simple: to help the young players under his banner bond, support one another, and grow together.
In the future, some of them would inevitably make it to the Premier League or other top-flight teams across Europe. Those who succeeded could then help their friends progress as well.
Using the strong to lift the weak, veterans to guide newcomers—this cycle ensured the steady growth of Barnett's young players, allowing new talents to continually emerge and helping his agency maintain its influence in England and even across European football.
Ocho, one of Barnett's young players, had naturally received an invitation—but he didn't want to go alone.
Somewhat socially anxious, he thought it over and decided to bring Leo Lin along.
Leo Lin had nothing else planned anyway, and having just officially joined the first team, he was in great spirits. He agreed without hesitation and headed with Ocho to Barnett's mansion.
The party began at 2 p.m. Since most attendees were young players, alcohol wasn't allowed. Instead, the venue offered a wide range of drinks and food.
Leo Lin's sole objective was simple: eat well. His salary wasn't high yet, and he hadn't experienced much luxury before.
To his surprise, the food far exceeded his expectations. The spread of high-end dishes had him eating with unrestrained enthusiasm.
He also noticed several young players chatting happily with Ocho—friends of his from the youth circuit.
Seeing Leo Lin already close to wiping out half the buffet, Ocho decided he had to step in. After all, this terrifying eater was his responsibility.
"Leo, let me introduce you," Ocho said. "He's also with Barnett and currently training at Chelsea's academy."
The young player smiled at Leo Lin.
"My name is Mason Mount. My idol is Frank Lampard."
"One day, I'll make it to Chelsea's first team and become a midfielder like Lampard!"
Nearby, another handsome young player—remarkably similar to Beckham—joined the conversation, dressed in Aston Villa's youth kit.
"Ocho, long time no see. How come you still haven't made it into Liverpool's first team?"
"If it really doesn't work out, come to Villa. We'll make you our starting center back!"
Ocho laughed.
"Give me a break, Grealish. I'll get my chance at Liverpool. Becoming Liverpool's center back has always been my dream!"
Leo Lin quickly clicked with the group. The four of them sat chatting in a corner as the party reached its highlight—Barnett's official entrance.
To these young players, Barnett was practically a god.
The room fell instantly silent when he appeared. Barnett looked over his young talents with clear satisfaction.
They weren't just his players—they were his assets, the foundation of his company's future.
"Welcome to my party," Barnett said. "We have quite a few new players joining the agency this season. I hope those of you already familiar with our system will help guide them and answer their questions."
"I promise that at Barnett's agency, you'll receive the fairest treatment."
"As long as you have talent and work hard, you will play in the top five leagues!"