Van Dijk applauds his young side’s effort in winning the Carabao Cup

Liverpool captain Van Dijk praised young team’s League Cup win despite missing key players in emotional victory against Chelsea.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the English League Cup final match between Chelsea and Liverpool. | Photo Credit: AP

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored a late, late winner against Chelsea to lift the English League Cup on Sunday, said he was immensely proud of the young side who had to fill in for so many injured teammates.

Liverpool was without key players such as Mohammed Salah, Diogo Jota and goalkeeper Alisson for the final and, by the end of a match that went to extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, was fielding a largely second-string team.

“It’s emotion, it’s everything, I’m so proud of the boys,” van Dijk told Sky television on the pitch as the red half of the Wembley fans celebrated.

CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

“All the young boys playing their part in what we achieved today, it’s incredible. On to more.”

After a lively, end-to-end contest in which both sides enjoyed a string of chances, van Dijk rose to head the winner with two minutes of extra time remaining.

“You should always savour the good moments and this is one of them. You should never take these things for granted,” the Netherlands defender said.