Jordan Henderson has all the praise in the world for Caoimhin Kelleher after the Liverpool goalkeeper’s heroics in the EFL Cup final. The Irishman stepped up for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp made a controversial decision on Sunday as he started Caoimhin Kelleher in goal for Liverpool at Wembley. That meant leaving Alisson Becker – arguably the world’s best goalkeeper – on the bench as the Reds chased a trophy.
But Klopp wanted to keep his faith in the young Irishman. This was Kelleher’s chance to really make a name for himself and truly earn a piece of silverware for the club.
No one, however, saw it turning out the way it did. Kelleher not only kept a clean sheet across 120 minutes but scored the final penalty in the shoot-out. According to club captain Jordan Henderson, things literally couldn’t have gone better.
“It was a club win because everyone played his or her part, but I would like to single out Caoimhin and not just because he was the match-winning hero either,” said Henderson, per Liverpoolfc.com.
“I think the way he has conducted himself since being given the opportunity to start regularly in the Carabao Cup is an example to all young professionals and all squad players.
“He literally couldn’t have done any better.”
Caoimhin Kelleher stars for Liverpool
We’re big fans of Kelleher and the work Liverpool are putting in right now should only benefit them long-term. They’re showing faith in a relatively inexperienced player, after all, and backing him to deliver. That takes work and most clubs, it should be said, don’t do it.
And this is a special level of experience. How many young goalkeepers even get the no.2 role? How many then get to start in a cup final? Kelleher is getting better every time he steps onto the pitch and this EFL Cup win will only help him kick on to even greater heights.
We’re excited about the future with Kelleher – it’s only up from here.
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