Virgil van Dijk names Liverpool teammate who should have been man of the match vs Chelsea

Liverpool footballer Virgil van Dijk labelled his teammate Caoimhin Kelleher as "world class", saying that he should have instead been chosen as 'man of the match' at Wembley.

Van Dijk stood out on Sunday afternoon versus Chelsea, scoring the crucial winning goal despite a previous goal being dismissed by VAR. However, in spite of Van Dijk's performance, he insisted Kelleher should have received more commendation.

Kelleher, Liverpool's second-choice goalkeeper, was critical in the game, making nine saves to ward off Chelsea during the 120-minute strife. On receiving the 'man of the match' title while standing next to Kelleher, the Liverpool captain said: "He should have got it. I'm probably one of his biggest fans, I think."

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He continued, "I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It's good to see. He's a good boy, good goalkeeper and that's what we need at a club like Liverpool." Van Dijk was not the only one dishing out words of praise for Kelleher following Liverpool's Carabao Cup victory. Departing manager Jurgen Klopp also sang his praises post-game. Klopp said: "Caoimh was unbelievable. Such a mature performance. I say it often: we have the best goalkeeper in the world and the best Number two in the world. I'm so happy for him. Top game."

Kelleher's standout display is another star showing in the Carabao Cup after his vital penalty saves against the same opponents Chelsea two seasons ago. He has suggested that this victory is slightly more special than the Reds' 2022