Caoimhin Kelleher’s options as Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper
- Caoimhin Kelleher is enjoying a fine season for club and country.
- The goalkeeper has always been in the shadow of Alisson Becker.
- Next season, Georgi Mamardashvili is set to join the Reds.
Liverpool ‘s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to return from injury. Meaning Caoimhin Kelleher could be set to be the Reds’ next regular starter once again.
Kelleher, 25, has been in fine form for Liverpool in recent weeks and also saved a penalty in the Nations League match against Finland in mid-month. Earning him the Man of the Match award.
Former Ireland striker Kevin Doyle said of Kelleher: “I think in five or six years’ time. He will be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He’s got all the right qualities, he’s got a lot of potential. If he can play regularly I think he can develop into a top goalkeeper.”
Kelleher is often regarded as the best back-up goalkeeper in the สมัคร ufabet world and has consistently impressed when given the chance. Conceding just five goals in eight appearances in all competitions for Liverpool under Arne Slots this season.
However, if Alisson is injury-free for the rest of the season. Kelleher is likely to play only a handful of games in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and with Georgian goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili set to join from Valencia next year. Kelleher is unlikely to be second choice at all.
Meanwhile, Slots said: “Alisson will be our first-choice goalkeeper when he is fit. Caoimhin was outstanding last season and he has helped the team well this season. But when Alisson is fit, he will definitely be our first-choice goalkeeper.”
Liverpool legend John Aldridge said: “Caoimhin Kelleher has been fantastic and I actually think Arsene Slot will have a big decision to make in the next few weeks when Alisson is fit. I don’t think it’s fair for Kelleher to go back to the bench.
“I think he’s a first-class player, absolutely. He’s flawless in everything he does in the game and I think Alisson will look at it and be embarrassed. If he comes back in and starts straight away because Kelleher has done so well.”
While Kelleher seems to know his situation at Anfield well, he said: “I have made it clear in the last few years that I always want to be number one and I always want to play regularly. The club decided to sign another goalkeeper and when you look at what happened it looks like. They have made a decision.”
Kelleher will turn 26 on November 23, with goalkeeper Joe Hart having made 194 Premier League appearances at the same age. While David De Gea, Ian Walker and Aaron Ramsdale have all made over 150.
This summer, Kelleher will have to make a big decision: whether to stay and fight for the near-impossible No.1 spot or move on to find regular playing time, which is crucial to his development into a top-notch goalkeeper. Fans are saying the same thing: “I love her so much, but I have to let her go” for something better.