Liverpool player ratings as kids come good against Chelsea
Liverpool took on Chelsea in what was a low-scoring Carabao Cup final. Just because the score was low doesn’t mean the game wasn’t full of excitement. Plenty of times both teams came close to putting one in the opposition’s net.
However, it was the goalkeepers who shined the brightest in this battle of two Premier League giants. Unfortunately for Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp’s men were too much for them and lost the game thanks to an extra-time header by Virgil van Dijk.
Player ratings for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp beat Chelsea to lift the Reds’ tenth League Cup
Caoimhin Kelleher – 10/10*
Ruined Conor Gallagher’s night tonight by making some amazing saves. If it wasn’t for him putting on a show throughout Liverpool might not be lifting their 10th League Cup. The Reds have a quality backup in Kelleher.
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
Virgil van Dijk did what he always does. His quality on defence was on display the entire time. Jurgen Klopp will be happy with his team’s skipper tonight. Created an excellent chance for Jayden Danns in extra time. Won it for his team right before the closing whistle.
Ibrahima Konate – 7/10
Konate put on a strong defensive showing tonight. Playing at CB, the Frenchman made a crucial tackle late in the second half to save the Reds from falling behind. However, he did often leave gaps in the line which led to free shots in the box.
Andrew Robertson – 8/10
Robertson had a solid night on defence and an even better one on offence, his recovery left a little to be desired but the chances he created on offence more than made up for it. Was subbed off in the 87th minute.
Conor Bradley – 7/10
Conor Bradley’s performance wasn’t anything to write home about, but he did enough to be serviceable. The 20-year-old struggled to do anything meaningful on offence, but he was always present on defence and did enough to prevent a breakdown.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
Went down to an injury in the 28th minute. Chelsea’s Caicedo got away with a dirty tackle which the ref didn’t even call. Poor officiating in a final? Was replaced by Joe
Wataru Endo – 8/10
Endo was constantly distributing the ball past the Chelsea defence to help the Liverpool offensive line. He controlled the midfield well and completed over 90% of his passes.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8/10
Mac Allister was constantly involved. The Argentine challenged the Chelsea attack and won over 70% of his duels. The 25-year-old created three chances and recorded a shot on target against Chelsea. Was taken off in the 87th minute.
Harvey Elliot – 7/10
Did well to take the ball forward and was a constant threat against the Chelsea defence. Got his team involved while completing 80% of his passes. Was a little wasteful with his chances.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Young Cody Gakpo’s performance left a lot to be desired today. The 24-year-old constantly tried to put his team forward during the final, but to no avail. Was a little wasteful with his chances and was taken off for Jayden Dans.
Luis Diaz – 7/10
Tried to do a little too much as time went on during the game, showing his desperation. This eventually hurt what was an otherwise decent performance. He should’ve done more in the absence of some of the team’s senior players.
Substitutes
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Came on in the 28th minute, and had more than enough time to produce something meaningful for his team but failed to have an impact. Got a decent look in Chelsea’s box but went for glory and shot straight in the keeper’s hands.
Bobby Clark – 6/10
Was subbed in the 72nd minute of the game. Did his job defensively and made a crucial tackle in the second half of extra time to stop Chelsea’s desperate attack.
Jayden Danns – 7/10
Was an absolute positive for Liverpool during his first final. Replaced Cody Gakpo in the 87th minute. Almost won it for Liverpool in the closing minutes.
James McConnell – 6/10
Was a late substitution, came on in the 87th minute and struggled to find his rhythm. Was a non-factor.
Konstantinos Tsimikas – 8/10
Came on in the 87th minute, and created a chance in the second half by putting a beautiful cross in the box. Unfortunately, none of the Liverpool attackers were able to get at the end of the ball. It was his cross that allowed Virgil van Dijk to win the game for Liverpool
Jarell Quansah – N/A
Did not warrant a rating.
