Liverpool won the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium, beating Chelsea in dramatic fashion courtesy of an extra time winner from captain Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk was one of the few regular first-teamers that Jurgen Klopp had at his disposal heading into the game on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Alisson Becker all being unavailable due to injury concerns.
In those star players’ stead, a number of youth academy graduates stepped up the Reds on Sunday.
Here’s Liverpool’s best and worst players in the win over Chelsea, according to 90min’s esteemed player ratings.
Virgil van Dijk: 8/10
As the club captain, and one of the few veteran players available for the game, Liverpool needed a huge performance from Virgil van Dijk on Sunday; and that’s exactly what they got.
The defender was in vintage form at both ends of the park, winning seven duels, making two blocks, seven clearances and 14 defensive actions in the defensive third, and heading the ball into the back of the net on two occasions in the offensive third.
While his first headed goal didn’t count (rightly or wrongly, it’s up for debate), Van Dijk popped up once again in the 118th minute to flick the ball into the far corner of the net after racing across to the near post area.
He’s one of the best centre backs we’ve ever seen in a Reds jersey.
Honourable mention
Caoimhin Kelleher: 8/10
Regardless of Alisson Becker’s injury, as the club’s trusted cup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was expected to suit up on Sunday.
What perhaps wasn’t expected, was how bloody brilliant a performance he put in. Noted as one of the best number two goalies in the Premier League, Kelleher showed why he probably should be a number one with a multitude of stunning stops.
In total, the Republic of Ireland international made nine saves and prevented xGOT of 2.95. That’s astonishing.
Cody Gakpo: 5/10
Drafted in for the injured Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo largely underperformed in the false nine role at Wembley Stadium.
The Dutch international notably hit the post with a header in the first half but failed to do much of note thereafter.
His six lost duels, zero shots on target and measly seven completed passes tells the story of a rather frustrating game for Gakpo.
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