In a moment that epitomises Liverpool‘s team spirit and togetherness, captain Jordan Henderson and his teammates made sure that the shy and reserved Takumi Minamino was given an incredible reception when lifting the Carabao Cup.
It was a close affair on Sunday afternoon but after 120 minutes of action, Jurgen Klopp’s side picked up their first silverware of the season after beating Chelsea 11-10 in a tense penalty shoot-out.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was brought on in the closing stages at Wembley, smashed his penalty into Row Z and the rest, as they said, is history.
A Liverpool fan caught Kepa’s penalty and took the ball home 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/1RzlJ9M0xf
— The72 – We Love the #EFL (@_The72) February 27, 2022
After the final whistle, Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after resisting the urge to start Alisson.
Kelleher, who has been Liverpool’s designated goalkeeper in the competition this season, played a huge part in their Carabao Cup journey – but so did a number of others who never featured against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Takumi Minamino, for example, played an integral part in their Carabao campaign. He scored four goals in five cup games, including a stoppage-time equaliser against Leicester in the quarter-finals to force penalties.
Ultimately, Minamino was unlucky to not pick up some well-deserved minutes in the final but after the full-time whistle, the Japanese international was given an incredible reception by the travelling support.
As you can see in the brilliant footage below, Minamino picks up the trophy from another unused substitute, Kostas Tsimikas.
And as he made his way towards the crowd, Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho encouraged the crowd to sound their appreciation for the 27-year-old midfielder – a moment that sums up this team’s tight-knit bond.
GUYSSSSS LOOK AT THEM PUSHING MINAMINO AND CHEERING FOR HIM STOPPPP pic.twitter.com/aIgxJzdnpn
— اريج (@areejx17) February 27, 2022
An integral part of our Carabao Cup journey ❤
A brilliant moment for @takumina0116 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PnmBtJJ1QC
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 27, 2022
Jurgen Klopp was also keen to acknowledge the efforts of those who didn’t feature in the final. “Without Taki Minamino or Divock Origi we wouldn’t be here,” the German said in his post-match press conference.
📺 Jurgen Klopp on using the whole squad:
“Without Taki Minamino or Divock Origi we wouldn’t be here.” 🔴 pic.twitter.com/S62NAOmGIv
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) February 27, 2022
Featured Image Credit: Liverpool FC
