The clash of kings that took place in Wembley for the dispute of the Carabao Cup crowned Virgil Van Dijk as supreme monarch. The Liverpool captain was the main protagonist of the Reds’ victory against Chelsea, in a match where he had to lead a team that ended with up to five players under 21 years of age on the playing field.
In an open grave match with infinite occasions For both teams, Virgil van Dijk became a giant alongside his defensive partner Konate. The two central defenders stifled the opportunities of a Chelsea that came from all sides, although they encountered the dutch wall ultimately when they were trying to beat the ‘red’ goal.
The Dutch central defender’s party did not limit itself to exhibiting its great defensive capabilities. The Liverpool captain showed that he is also capable of lead your team on attacka facet that demonstrates after scoring a unstoppable header midway through the second part. The VAR ended up annulling the goal due to a positional offside of Endo Watarualthough it was not going to be the last opportunity for him Dutch defense.
The revenge of a true leader
Van Dijk got his revenge in the minute 118′ of extra time, when he rose again among everyone to head a corner kick into the back of the net. This time yes, his goal meant victory for the ‘reds’ who got their tenth Carabao Cup in history. The victory was also dedicated to Jürgen Kloppwho was looking for one of the most special titles of his career after announcing his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season.
The merit of the Dutch center has greater weight when considering the state of the infirmary of the Liverpool, that could not count on its main stars such as Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Szoboszlai or Alisson. In fact, Liverpool ended up with up to five players under 21 years of age on the field of play, a group of young people led by the best Van Dijk that was claimed in an authentic Clash of titans.
The ‘red’ captain sent a message to his critics after the game: “It was thought to be finished…“, he commented ironically. The truth is that Van Dijk remains for a while in a Liverpool where he continues to be a essential piece for the success of your team.
