Jude Bellingham 'stunned' by Liverpool player’s performance in Carabao Cup final

Jude Bellingham appeared to be particularly impressed by one Liverpool player’s performance in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

On Sunday, Virgil van Dijk claimed a last-minute winner to see Liverpool edge past Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley and ensure Jurgen Klopp’s swansong season will have at least one trophy.

The Blues, who have spent some £1billion on their squad over the past two years, were the better team in normal time and thought they had taken the lead through Raheem Sterling, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside.

Liverpool, who were struck by a major injury crisis ahead of the game, also netted a disallowed goal in normal time, before Klopp’s inexperienced outfit snatched the victory in the 120th minute through Van Dijk.

Indeed, Van Dijk’s talismanic performance has received praise from across the football world, with even Real Madrid star Bellingham expressing his admiration for the Dutchman.

Under, Van Dijk’s latest Instagram, posted after the Cup final triumph, Bellingham, wrote: “What a player.”

Van Dijk said he was "so proud" to be a Liverpool player after his late winner.

"It's all for the fans, so let's enjoy it," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. "An intense game for both sides, they had chances, we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain.

"We did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game. I'm so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.

Van Dijk was Liverpool's talisman against Chelsea (Getty)

"I won't speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more [trophies this season]."

Meanwhile, Klopp, who lifted his tenth trophy as Liverpool boss, said: "In my 20 years, this is easily the most special trophy.

"I couldn't care less about my legacy. I was not here to create one. This was so special."

Liverpool were without the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez for the game. In turn, five players aged 20 or under featured, while the average age of the team that finished the game was below 22.

Topics: Liverpool, Carabao Cup, Jude Bellingham, Virgil Van Dijk, Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp, Real Madrid

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.