Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk "had to be ready to fight" in 2-1 aggregate win over Fulham

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk “had to be ready to fight” in 2-1 aggregate win over Fulham

Coming into the second leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final, Liverpool were on the back of a slight advantage beating Fulham 2-1 at home in the first leg. Marco Silva’s side were sure to come out all guns blazing at Craven Cottage, and they tried to do so as well. However, a strong defence spearheaded by Virgil van Dijk oversaw the 90 without breaking a lot of sweat.

Luis Diaz’s early goal put the Reds in a comfortable position and from that point onwards, it was just about keeping it to the T and not trying to overdo things. The Reds created an ample amount of chances and could have scored as well, but it was not to be. However, Fulham bit back into the Reds’ lead via Issa Diop. However, that goal was not sufficient and the Reds are now going to Wembley. Here is what skipper Virgil had to say after the game speaking to Sky Sports via BBC:

“We wanted to make sure we did the right things, Fulham played at home with a good atmosphere. We had to be ready to fight, we started the game very well and scored a good goal. We found a way and go to Wembley.”

Looking ahead, Liverpool stand set to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, marking a significant matchup between the two Premier League giants. The upcoming final presents an opportunity for Liverpool to secure a record 10th League Cup title, with the added narrative of a rematch from the 2022 Carabao Cup final, where the Reds emerged victorious on penalties.

Virgil van Dijk has not lost a final for Liverpool if you discount the ones that he has lost. Absolutely unreal from him xD. — Virgil van Dijk has not lost a final for Liverpool if you discount the ones that he has lost. Absolutely unreal from him. *Just for the larks.*

Not another draw, please!

The dynamic between Liverpool and Chelsea has been marked by closely contested encounters, with the last seven meetings ending in draws. As Liverpool aim to break this streak and claim another piece of silverware, the leadership of players like Virgil van Dijk, both on and off the pitch, becomes instrumental in guiding the team through the challenges of high-stakes fixtures.

VVD’s captaincy takes centre stage as Liverpool prepares for the finals. The Dutch defender, who has experienced the highs of winning major honours with Liverpool, certainly understands the significance of leading the team at Wembley. His role surely extends beyond on-field heroics; it encompasses motivating the squad, instilling a winning mentality, and navigating the nuances of a cup final.

Chelsea come into the final on the back of absolutely ANNHILATING Middlesbrough 6-1 in the second leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge. They have found multiple goalscorers at just the wrong time for Liverpool and the hope is for the Reds to break the draw streak and secure a bloody outright win against a stingy opposition.