Game recognises game! Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham in awe of Virgil van Dijk's match-winning Carabao Cup final display as he sends message to Liverpool captain

The Reds headed to Wembley nursing a serious injury headache, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez among those ruled out of Jurgen Klopp’s plans. A collection of young stars stepped up to the plate, with eight academy graduates picking up a winners’ medal.

It was, however, experienced club captain Van Dijk that led by example, with the commanding Dutch defender netting the only goal of the game deep into extra-time. He had already seen one effort chalked off prior to that, but the Netherlands international was not to be denied as he lifted a first piece of silverware as skipper at Anfield.

Several players, many with ties to Liverpool, were quick to salute Van Dijk’s man-of-the-match performance in north London. Wataru Endo and Ibrahima Konate featured in the comments section of a social media post from the towering centre-half, while Real midfielder Bellingham said: “What a player.”

Liverpool will be hoping that Van Dijk does not need to keep carrying them for long, with the big games coming thick and fast for the Reds as they head into a week that includes an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Southampton and a Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.