Virgil van Dijk’s leadership was on full display when he spoke in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-0 Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea. The Reds captain scored the only goal of the game in extra-time, but despite his heroics he wanted to highlight the performances of his team-mates rather than take all the plaudits.
Van Dijk was clearly emotional as he took in all the scenes and jubilation surrounding him as a result of the 118th-minute header, but as a true leader he instead took the time to praise the young squad that battled to victory.
When asked what the win and goal meant to him, Van Dijk detracted the attention away from his goal and told Sky Sports: « So much. All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It’s incredible, I’m so proud of the team.
« Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it’s all for the fans so let’s enjoy it. It’s emotion, it’s everything I am so proud of the boys. All of the young boys playing their part in what we achieved today. It’s incredible and on to more. »
In Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Liverpool, Van Dijk elaborated on savouring the moment with his departing head coach. « You should always savour the good moments, this is definitely one of them, » he added.
« Listen, we will never take things for granted and you see today it could have been the other was as well that we lost but we did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game. I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys. »
Van Dijk had already had a goal disallowed in the first half from a similar situation. Andy Robertson swung a free-kick in from out wide that the skipper met and headed past Djordje Petrovic. However, Wataru Endo was adjudged to have been offside as a blocker.
After a grueling near-two hours of play, Liverpool’s young squad had kept them in the game and even took the impetus against Chelsea’s senior professionals, when a corner was won and set the stage for Van Dijk’s winner.
Kostas Tsimikas curled an inswinger and Van Dijk got free from Axel Disasi and beat Mykhaylo Mudryk to the ball to power a header home. But he would rather focus on the team amid jubilant celebrations at Wembley.
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