Programme notes'Some of my best memories are in the Carabao Cup' - Virgil van Dijk
The captain has lifted the trophy twice since joining Liverpool and, of course, scored an extra-time winner in last season’s unforgettable final victory over Chelsea.
The Reds’ potential road back to Wembley begins with tonight’s third-round tie against West Ham United at Anfield and, in his notes for the official matchday programme, Van Dijk writes: “Now we start a new competition, but with the same mindset; never satisfied, never complacent, always hungry, always asking for more.
“Some of my best memories at Liverpool have been made in the League Cup – including, of course, that epic win over Chelsea at Wembley back in February – and we are all keen to continue the club’s proud tradition in the competition.
“We know that tonight will be a tough game. West Ham may have had a few disappointing results of late, including against Chelsea at the weekend, but there’s no way we will be taking them lightly. We have had enough close games against them in the past to not do that.
“They will be coming with a point to prove, and we have to be ready for a big fight.”
This evening’s fixture is Liverpool’s fourth game in a run of seven in between the September and October international breaks and Van Dijk added: “I have spoken previously about this busy period, and how we were going to need each and every member of the squad to be ready to deliver.
“It has, then, been really pleasing to see players stepping up and delivering over the past two games.
“Caoimhin Kelleher, for example, was superb on Saturday, producing some big saves to help preserve our clean sheet. Cody Gakpo was outstanding on his first start of the season over in Milan, and I thought Darwin Nunez was equally impressive against Bournemouth, scoring his first goal of the campaign but, just as importantly, giving a really strong performance for the team.
“It has been good also to see Federico Chiesa get his first minutes in a red shirt, and to show what he can bring to the club. Supporters love exciting attacking players, and he is certainly one of those. I think our fans are going to enjoy watching him play.
“You don’t need me to tell you how strong our forward options are this season, and to have all of them fit, firing and competing for selection will only benefit us going forward.
“Whether it is Cody, Darwin, Federico, Lucho [Luis Diaz], Mo [Salah] or Diogo [Jota], the head coach will always have options, and we will always feel as though we have goals on the pitch. That’s a big thing for any team.”
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