Wednesday evening's Carabao Cup fixture presents a timely moment for reflection.

It was two-and-a-half years ago that Liverpool and Chelsea last met in this competition, and thanks to our captain it became an occasion forever etched into folklore.

In what proved to be Jürgen Klopp's last cup final as Liverpool manager, an injury-ravaged Reds squad arrived at Wembley deprived of several experienced regulars and facing daunting odds.

Those challenges intensified shortly after kick-off, yet with Van Dijk marshalling the defence with his typical authority and composure, an inexperienced side grew ever stronger as the afternoon unfolded.

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Amazing UNSEEN Footage From Wembley | Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool | INSIDE | Carabao Cup Final

There was no shortage of drama. VAR denied former Red Raheem Sterling an early breakthrough for Chelsea, while Van Dijk later experienced similar frustration when a towering header was ruled out for offside.

Yet on a day when Klopp was forced to call upon four Academy players from the bench, Liverpool's inspirational No.4 refused to let the opportunity pass. 

As extra-time entered its closing stages and the prospect of penalties loomed large, Kostas Tsimikas delivered an inviting corner that Van Dijk expertly guided into the net.

With barely two minutes remaining, the captain's decisive intervention secured Liverpool's record-extending 10th League Cup and completed one of the most stirring triumphs of Klopp's reign.

In the aftermath of that unforgettable Wembley victory, Van Dijk ensured that future generations of supporters could share in the memory by donating three deeply personal mementos to the LFC Museum: the jacket he wore as he led the team onto the pitch, the shirt he captained Liverpool in that day, and a match ball he collected at the final whistle.

These treasured artefacts serve as lasting reminders of a remarkable day when Van Dijk lifted his first trophy as skipper and stand as fitting tributes to the leadership, determination and excellence that have defined the career of this modern-day club legend.