Liverpool footballer Virgil van Dijk labelled his teammate Caoimhin Kelleher as “world class”, saying that he should have instead been chosen as ‘man of the match’ at Wembley.
Van Dijk stood out on Sunday afternoon versus Chelsea, scoring the crucial winning goal despite a previous goal being dismissed by VAR. However, in spite of Van Dijk’s performance, he insisted Kelleher should have received more commendation.
Kelleher, Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper, was critical in the game, making nine saves to ward off Chelsea during the 120-minute strife. On receiving the ‘man of the match’ title while standing next to Kelleher, the Liverpool captain said: “He should have got it. I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think.”
He continued, “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.” Van Dijk was not the only one dishing out words of praise for Kelleher following Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory. Departing manager Jurgen Klopp also sang his praises post-game. Klopp 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.”
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.
