{"id":143354,"date":"2024-01-25T14:04:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T14:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/01\/25\/van-dijk-hails-next-generation-as-reds-reach-final\/"},"modified":"2024-01-25T14:04:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T14:04:46","slug":"van-dijk-hails-next-generation-as-reds-reach-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/01\/25\/van-dijk-hails-next-generation-as-reds-reach-final\/","title":{"rendered":"Van Dijk hails next generation as Reds reach final \u2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Virgil van Dijk was bursting with pride after two young defenders helped Liverpool down Fulham 3-2 on aggregate to reach the Carabao Cup final.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jurgen Klopp\u2019s side sealed the draw they needed on the night to set up a clash with Chelsea after Luis Diaz\u2019s first-half strike was cancelled out by Issa Diop\u2019s late consolation.<\/p>\n

Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah, both aged 20, impressed at the back for the Reds and were praised by captain Van Dijk in the aftermath.<\/p>\n

The Dutchman, 32, told Sky Sports: \u201cObviously the right-hand side was not maybe the most experienced side today but they did very well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole season already I\u2019m proud of these guys. It\u2019s only a beginning for them and they must feel it that way as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBut to be going to the final with this performance is a very good thing and only shows what kind of progress they have made. Hopefully they can keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\ud83e\udd17 pic.twitter.com\/FupjEuabCV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 24, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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The all-important opener was scored by Diaz but was sourced through Quansah\u2019s diagonal ball.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The young defender has stepped in and provided good depth behind Ibrahima Konate when called upon this term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Quansah could not hide his delight at the result and how special it was to play alongside Bradley, who has also filled in well during Trent Alexander-Arnold\u2019s absence.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He said: \u201cIt is special, unbelievable. I can\u2019t ask for much more really.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWe had to dig in tonight. It is my first season here and I\u2019m so happy to get to a final.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIt is all about rhythm, you have to keep playing. I felt a little rusty as I\u2019ve not played recently.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDoing this with Conor [Bradley] is special for me because we have played together for 10 years in the academy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Chelsea booked their place at Wembley on Tuesday with a destructive 6-1 win over Middlesbrough, who had won the first leg 1-0.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The final will take place on the Sunday, February 25 and is a repeat of the 2021-22 Carabao Cup showpiece, which Liverpool won on penalties.\u00a0<\/p>\n

LiveScore: Live Sport Updates<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

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