Ratings from Wembley emerged following Virgil van Dijk’s decisive late goal, securing a stunning League Cup final victory over Chelsea this past Sunday.
In a match marked by its extraordinary twists, Liverpool defied expectations to claim their historic 10th League Cup title, etching another chapter in the annals of the club’s storied legacy.
Despite the absence of 11 key starters and the early departure of Ryan Gravenberch due to injury, a spirited and youthful Liverpool squad seized control of the game against Chelsea at Wembley. Virgil van Dijk’s header in the dying moments of extra time sealed the dramatic triumph for the Reds.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Chelsea in Carabao Cup Final
And here’s how Liverpool’s players were rated by the ECHO on one of the great days of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure..
Caoimhin Kelleher 9
“Superb save denied Palmer at close range and confident in dealing with Chelsea threat from wide. Another brilliant stop prevented Gallagher scoring second half before repelling the Londoners in a remarkable sequence.
“Given space to cause Chelsea problems in early period, and then became a different threat on right of attack and one shot blocked. Tired a bit after an hour. Booked and subbed.”
Ibrahima Konate 7
“In real battle with Jackson, and just about played the striker offside for Chelsea disallowed goal. One strong challenge second half quelled one dangerous counter. Booked and subbed.”
Virgil van Dijk 10
“So solid and helped Liverpool defend on the front foot and keep Chelsea pressed back for long spells. Had what looked a good goal disallowed by VAR and then popped up with a dramatic winner. A brilliant, brilliant display.”
Andy Robertson 7
“Raided confidently in opening quarter and then required defensively including good challenge on Palmer. A real stint until tiring towards the end of the second half. Subbed.”
Wataru Endo 9
“Began impressively when snapping into tackles as Liverpool pressed high. Pushed back as Chelsea started to settle but continued to snaffle possession. Adjudged to have fouled for disallowed goal by standing still.”
Alexis Mac Allister 8
“Fired one shot at Petrovic and key to excellent Liverpool press with strong tackles and fine distribution. Maintained excellent level until another who ran out of energy. Booked and subbed.”
Ryan Gravenberch 6
“Struggled to make an impact and loose in possession before being stood on by Caicedo and being stretchered off. Subbed.”
Harvey Elliott 8
“Looked to get Liverpool moving with his relentless energy and moved into midfield after Gravenberch departure. Kept on improving as the game progressed and close to scoring in extra time.”
Cody Gakpo 6
“Endeavour wasn’t really rewarded with impact until heading against post before break. Tough going second half and among those who became understandably jaded. Subbed.”
Luis Diaz 7
“Dangerous early on and struck piledriver at Petrovic. Continually asked questions down the left but final decision not always on point. Kept on going, though.”
Joe Gomez (for Gravenberch 28) 7
“Not the easiest spell before the break but good interception denied Sterling. Found it a bit difficult at times but increased in importance during extra time. Booked.”
Bobby Clark (for Bradley 72) 8
“Superb display from the tenacious youngster who clearly has a big future ahead of him. Won the corner for the winner.”
Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson 87) 8
“Set-piece delivery had already given Chelsea some concerns before his corner created the winner.”
James McConnell (for Mac Allister 87) 8
“Belied his tender years with an impressive cameo. Booked.”
Jayden Danns (for Gakpo 87) 8
“Had one shot within seconds of coming on, later forced Petrovic into good save with header and scared the Chelsea defence.”
Jarell Quansah (for Konate 105) 7
“Provided some extra assurance and energy in defence.”
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