Mentality Monsters; Liverpool wins the 2024 League Cup

Liverpool were up against it. Chelsea were in-form and on the front foot, a squad littered with expensive talents.

Jurgen Klopp put on two teenagers in James McConnell and Jayden Danns on the cusp of extratime. It was a move of both boldness and one that came from a lack of any other options. Yet, a depleted Liverpool side had enough in them to fight across the line.

When Virgil van Dijk headed home the eventual winner in the 118th minute, even he collapsed instead of celebrating as no player in a Red shirt had much more to give.

Wataru Endo was masterful in the midfield and he played the full 120+ minutes. Klopp said afterwards; "He walked through the ceremony with the stiffest legs I ever saw."

It was that kind of commitment that we have come to expect from the Reds under Klopp for the last nine years. It has taken on different shapes at times, but even now, kids are coming in with the same determination and spirit regardless of the circumstance.

The culture that has been built at this club is truly remarkable. The adversity this squad has gone through and is still going through this season is massive.

This is now the first trophy that Klopp has won for a second time while in charge at Anfield. While they have won everything possible, there were no repeats until today. This is Liverpool's record extending tenth League Cup title.

It is the first hurdle cleared in what could still prove to be a magical season for Liverpool. However, keeping the focus on today's triumph, this silverware might be one of the more impressive in the Klopp era.

The superstars that he is missing, the relative unknown academy products he has gotten up to speed in no time, all with the backdrop of this being his final season.

This is Liverpool's 51st major trophy in their history as they continue their reign as the most successful English club of all time. If you hold the Community Shield in high regard, then it is actually the 67th piece of silverware for the Reds.

It was a truly epic showdown once again that required a bit of the Anfield magic making its way to Wembley. When the Captain van Dijk placed that brilliant header to the far post, he secured his own legacy at the club.

Van Dijk lifted his first trophy since taking the armband from the departing Jordan Henderson. By also winning Man of the Match and scoring the winner, it was a dream day for the Dutchman.

It wouldn't be a Liverpool match without losing another figure as Ryan Gravenberch was in a walking boot during the celebrations. An FA Cup tie awaits midweek, but that is for later to discuss.

However, as this League Cup triumph reinforces, there is no challenge too big for the "Mentality Monsters" to handle.

A salute to the 2024 Carabao Cup Champions.