CAPTAIN, leader, legend.
That is how Liverpool fans must feel about Virgil van Dijk after he won the Carabao Cup final by heading home the winner against Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp has got his farewell parade off in style with Liverpool’s 10th League Cup win.
Like the 2022 final between the two sides, the game somehow ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.
However, moments before the final whistle of extra time which would have sent the teams to another penalty shootout, Van Dijk rose highest to nod home a winner.
See how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Reds.
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Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Alisson’s deputy performed well in the injured Brazilian’s absence, most notably when he denied Cole Palmer from point blank-range on 21 minutes.
Coolly prevented Conor Gallagher from scoring with five minutes to go when the Chelsea man had been sent clean through, and then Palmer and Christopher Nkunku in stoppage time.
Conor Bradley – 7
Another eye-catching display from the youngster, who started the game as a hybrid right-back and then moved to right wing when Ryan Gravenberch went off.
Had a decent effort blocked by Levi Colwill on half-time – but was booked for his role in a shoving match with Ben Chilwell.
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Ibrahima Konate – 6
Nicolas Jackson may have his critics but his jet-heeled pace left Konate on his heels for what had looked like the opener when the Chelsea striker squared for Raheem Sterling, only for the offside flag to bail the Reds out.
Booked.
Virgil van Dijk – 9
The relative old-timer among all the kids came up trumps with two minutes of extra time to go, heading home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
The Dutchman thought he had done it an hour earlier when heading in Andy Robertson’s free-kick, only to see it ruled out via one of the rarer VAR decisions as blocker Wataru Endo was deemed offside. Led his young team with authority and was a worthy match winner.
Andy Robertson – 8
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity has been the talk of the Liverpool full-backs this season – but Robertson still has a great delivery in his locker.
Cody Gakpo hit the post from his cross in the first half, before Van Dijk’s Robertson-assisted goal was ruled out after the break. Also made an excellent intervention to nip in front of Gallagher.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
The Dutchman’s game was ended midway through the first half when former Liverpool target Moises Caicedo trod on his ankle.
Gravenberch went off on a stretcher, becoming the Reds’ 11th injury victim, yet a foul was not even given – much to Klopp’s fury.
Wataru Endo – 7
Energetic game from the Japan star, which included putting his body on the line to deny Jackson on the rebound after Kelleher had repelled Palmer.
Was the unfortunate man deemed to be offside and blocking Colwill for Van Dijk’s disallowed goal.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
His pressing set the tone for Klopp’s men and was not afraid to go in hard.
Stung Djordje Petrovic’s fingertips with an early blast from range. Booked.
Harvey Elliott – 6
Moved from right wing to centre-midfield after Gravenberch came off and then back to right wing as the game went the distance.
Had a volley beaten away after the break and then fired another into the side netting in extra time. 6
Cody Gakpo – 7
Came so close to an opener when heading Robertson’s cross against the foot of the post on 34 minutes.
If that was unlucky, he should have done better when he skied a shot inside the box in the last 20.
Luis Diaz – 7
A livewire on Liverpool’s left, he had a looping header and fierce drive saved by Petrovic early on.
His clever movement caused Chelsea problems but the Colombian was less influential after the break.
Subs:
Joe Gomez (on for Gravenberch, 27) – 7
Feared for a second old England rival Raheem Sterling had beaten him for a Chelsea opener but the offside flag came to the rescue.
Was sent into early action when Gravenberch went down injured. Booked.
Bobby Clark (on for Bradley, 72) – 7
Lee Clark’s boy slotted in to the right of the midfield three and did not look out of place as Liverpool’s kids performed admirably on the big stage.
Kostas Tsimikas (on for Robertson, 87) – 7
Took on corner duties after being introduced, and supplied the set-piece for Van Dijk’s late winner.
James McConnell (on for Mac Allister, 87) – 7
Came on late for his seventh appearance, and by far his most high profile. Booked for pulling back Palmer.
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Jayden Danns (on for Gakpo, 87) – 7
The son of former Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns, he almost netted in extra-time with a header which Petrovic had to tip over smartly.
Jarell Quansah (on for Konate, 106) – 7
Liverpool’s bonus extra-time sub, he instantly sold Nkunku a dummy after being introduced.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
