Virgil van Dijk got the winner for Liverpool. In true captain fantastic fashion he stepped up and delivered a moment that will live indelibly in our hearts. However, Liverpool’s victory against Chelsea was more than on just him alone.
This was a proper team performance. The kind of performance where every single player exhausted their effort on the pitch to get the victory for Liverpool and lift the trophy. It was a game in which Klopp was forced to use most of his substitutes. And they were not squad players but academy players who came onto the pitch and helped to get the job done.
Every single player stepped up for Liverpool. There was not a single negative performance. This was a final people will remember for a long time. This was a final Liverpool managed to win with essentially their B team.
Virgil van Dijk amazed by Caoimhin Kelleher
Among the players who delivered an outstanding performance was Caoimhin Kelleher. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was absolutely sensational for Liverpool and made several top notch saves.
From one vs one situations to reflex saves from close range, this was an all-round performance by Kelleher. The kind of performance you’d expect from Alisson Becker. And speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Van Dijk was quick to highlight the 25-year-old’s talent.
“I’m one of his biggest fans, I think. I have always said he is world class. And he stepped up again. It’s good to see. He’s a good boy and a good goalkeeper,” Van Dijk said.
It’s true, Kelleher proved with his performance tonight that he is up there among the best keepers in his age-group. He’s got all the makings of a goalkeeper who can go right to the very top. Liverpool are very fortunate to have him.
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