25 February 2024 , 21:28
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Virgil van Dijk claimed “world class” Caoimhin Kelleher should have been named man of the match at Wembley instead of him.
The Dutch defender turned in a stunning performance on Sunday afternoon against Chelsea. He scored the all-important winning goal having been denied earlier in the match by VAR.
Despite Van Dijk’s display, he thought Kelleher was more deserving of praise. The Reds’ number two goalkeeper was pivotal and made a total of nine saves throughout the 120 minutes to keep Chelsea at bay.
Speaking alongside Kelleher after being named man of the match, the Liverpool captain said: “He should have got it. 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.”
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Van Dijk is not the only one to have been full of praise for Kelleher after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup success. Outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp also hailed him after the final whistle.
He said: "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."
Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates Virgil van Dijk's goal during the Carabao Cup final (Getty Images)Who do you think was Liverpool's man-of-the-match vs Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Kelleher’s standout display is another star showing in the Carabao Cup after his vital penalty saves against the same opponents Chelsea two seasons ago. He has suggested that this victory is slightly more special than the Reds’ 2022 success.
He said: “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
“Yeah, probably [this year is more special]. It’s better for the heart anyway, no penalties. 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 too soon but obviously winning the first trophy is the first step so hopefully we can win a few more as well."
Kelleher will be attempting to earn more opportunities over the coming weeks as Alisson Becker remains restricted to the sidelines. The Reds take on Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday ahead of a Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest next weekend.
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