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Virgil van Dijk hails ‘world class’ Caoimhin Kelleher after Carabao Cup final performance

Caoimhin Kelleher turned in a brilliant performance at Wembley (Picture: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has praised Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as world class after the Irishman turned in a superb performance in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds won 1-0 thanks to a Virgil van Dijk goal deep into extra-time, despite being hampered by a string of injuries to star players and a number of academy products on the field at the end of the contest.

Kelleher was one of the stars of the show as he made a number of top saves to keep the game goalless until the Dutchman headed home after 118 minutes.

The Reds captain has not changed his opinion of the ‘keeper because of this weekend, saying he has long thought of him as one of the best in the world.

‘I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think,’ Van Dijk told Sky Sports. ‘I’ve always said he’s world class and he stepped up today again.

‘It’s good to see, he’s a good boy, good goalkeeper, that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said that the club has the best goalkeeper in the world in Alisson Becker and the best understudy in the game in Kelleher.

‘I’m happy with him, very happy with him,’ said the German. ‘He played a very good game. Unbelievable! What a mature performance.

Virgil van Dijk says he is ‘probably Kelleher’s biggest fan’ (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We have the best goalie in the world and the best number two in the world. I’m very happy for him, top game.’

Kelleher said of the experience in north London: ‘It’s hard to sum up, but these are the moments you dream of, celebrating with the fans and lifting a trophy at Wembley. It’s hard to describe.’

Liverpool are still contesting the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League and on their chances of adding more silverware this season the Irishman said: ‘We won’t get ahead of ourselves but it’s a great start to give us momentum for the rest of the season, winning this first trophy.

‘We’ve players to come back but the young lads have been brilliant as well. We’re in a good place at the moment and we’ll just keep it going.’


MORE : Gary Neville labels Chelsea ‘bottle jobs’ after Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool


MORE : Virgil van Dijk scores in extra-time as Liverpool beat Chelsea to win thrilling Carabao Cup final

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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