Caoimhin Kelleher is loving training alongside Alisson Becker. The Reds back-up ‘keeper has made big strides over the last 18 months. It’s clear that he credits working with Alisson for a portion of that.
“It’s the best to train with him (Alisson) every day. To bring your standards and levels up by just watching him, the techniques he uses and how calm he is in all situations”, Kelleher told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“His positioning is very good. He makes saves that other goalkeepers would make look difficult, but he makes them look very easy when it’s actually a great save.”
Kelleher’s comments shed light on the benefit of having world-class players at the club. The 23-year-old has undoubted natural ability. But to learn from a goalkeeper like Alisson every day will be doing wonders for his development.
The Liverpool number 1’s qualities as a ‘keeper are plain to see. But Kelleher is also thankful for his colleague’s off-the-pitch advice. “His handling is very good, catching balls that other keepers would parry away. If I ever do need to speak to him about anything he would always help me,” he said.
Kelleher earns his spot
The young Irishman has been earning plaudits himself for his recent displays. His calm showing at Stamford Bridge didn’t look like the performance of someone starting only their fourth Premier League game.
There was even a debate about whether Kelleher should start the Carabao Cup semi-final ahead of his more experienced teammate.
Granted, that was largely because Klopp has designated the competition as “Caoimhin’s”. But if he hadn’t have been so good in the previous rounds, how many people would have wanted him to start ahead of Alisson?
The Brazilian got the nod in the end. But with the second leg of that semi-final coming this Thursday, there would be few complaints from Liverpool fans should Kelleher return between the sticks.
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