Virgil van Dijk: World-class Caoimhin Kelleher should have won ...
Virgil van Dijk may have been the match winner but in his honest opinion, the man of the match award should have gone to Caoimhin Kelleher.
Van Dijk’s superb header late in extra time was enough to see an injury hit Liverpool land the Carabao Cup for the 10th time in their history, defeating an underwhelming Chelsea at Wembley.
And speaking to Sky Sports shortly after lifting the cup in his role as captain and also collecting the man of the match award as well, the towering centre-back was keen to praise his team-mate from Cork.
“He should have got it,” said Van Dijk, pointing at Kelleher who was standing alongside him.
“I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think. I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again.
“It’s good to see. He’s a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”
The former Ringmahon Rangers shot-stopper was also one of the heroes when Liverpool defeated Chelsea in this final almost two years.
On that occasion, the 25-year-old scored their 11th penalty which proved to be the winner with his opposite number Kepa Arrizabalaga missing the decisive spot kick moments later.
But on this occasion, Kelleher made nine saves – preventing an expected goals tally of 2.44 – as Liverpool claimed another memorable victory.
So did this victory mean more to him than the one in 2022?
“Yeah, probably. It’s better for the heart anyway, no penalties,” laughed the Ireland international.
Chelsea's Conor Gallagher makes an attempt to score past Liverpool's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. AP Photo/Dave Shopland.“It’s another amazing moment for me so yeah, I’m delighted. It’s hard to sum up really.
“These are the moments you dream of, celebrating with the fans and winning a trophy at Wembley so it’s hard to describe.” So did this victory mean more to him than the one in 2022?
“Yeah, probably. It’s better for the heart anyway, no penalties. It’s another amazing moment for me so yeah, I’m delighted.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves but it’s a great start now to give us momentum for the rest of the season, winning this first trophy.
“We have players to come back but the young lads have been brilliant as well so we’re in a good place at the moment and we just need to keep it going.
“We won’t speak to soon but obviously winning the first trophy is the first step so hopefully we can win a few more as well."
And the final word on Kelleher's performance goes to his manager Jurgen Klopp, who has also spoke highly of his second choice keeper.
"Caoimh was unbelievable. Such a mature performance. I say it often: we have the best goalkeeper in the world and the best Number two in the world. I’m so happy for him. Top game."
