Caoimhin Kelleher is one of the top reserve goalkeepers not only in the Premier League but also worldwide. In recent years, rumours of a move have been rife, but he has decided to stay at Liverpool this season due to Alisson Becker’s injury time and only being available for cup competitions.
We sympathise with his feelings, but he is still performing at a high level for the team. In the most recent game, he protected the goalmouth following the departure of the Brazilian goalkeeper and made a number of big saves. Apart from that, he also contributes to Arne Slot’s possession-oriented football, such as building from the back.
John Aldridge, who has played for Liverpool and Real Sociedad in the past and is a senior member of the Irish national team, praised the junior goalkeeper’s recent performances and wrote that the Dutch coach has a headache on his hands as Alisson’s return approaches.
“Caoimhin Kelleher has been magnificent and I actually think Arne Slot has got a really big decision to make in the next few weeks. Once Alisson is fit, I don’t think it’s fair if Kelleher gets demoted to the bench.”
“I think he’s been absolutely first-class. He’s been faultless with everything he has done in the games, and I think Ali will be looking at it and be embarrassed if he went back in because he’s done such a good job.”
“So it’s a big dilemma what he does in that position. Just say, for instance, Ben Doak had come in when Mohamed Salah was injured last season and scored 10 goals in five games. What would you do? Put Mo straight back in?”
“It’s sleepless nights because football always used to be that if you were scoring goals, you stayed in the team. If you’re keeping clean sheets, you stay in the team.”
“It’s going to be really interesting and it’s going to be difficult for the manager.”
Liverpool Echo