Back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is now good enough to start for Liverpool.
That’s according to former Reds striker Robbie Keane. Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Keane claimed that were it not for Alisson Becker, Kelleher would already be Liverpool’s main ‘keeper.
“He’s certainly a goalkeeper that should be a No.1 but when you’ve got a world-class ‘keeper in front of you like Alisson, he’ll just have to bide his time,” said the Irishman.
“Definitely very impressed with him. We’ve been very lucky in the Irish team that we have really good goalkeepers. I’ve definitely been impressed with Caoimhin, just the way he plays – how comfortable, how calm he is in possession of the ball, he has a real presence about him. As I said before, if he didn’t have someone like Alisson in front of him, you’d imagine he possibly could be No.1.”
Kelleher stuck behind Alisson at Liverpool
From what we’ve seen of Kelleher at Liverpool, he certainly has the potential to be a top ‘keeper. Now twenty-three, he’s not exactly a youngster anymore. But still, that’s no age for goalkeeper.
As he continues to learn under the tutelage of Alisson, Kelleher is one of Liverpool’s most exciting prospects.
Unfortunately, there’s only so long you can keep such a prospect happy as a back-up. The Irishman already has eight caps to his name for his country, and he’ll want to push on to be their permanent No.1.
To do that, Kelleher must see off competition from Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu. Only twenty, Bazunu is now playing regular Premier League football as Saints first choice goalie.
As Keane points out, Alisson’s quality means that, barring injury, that isn’t going to happen at Liverpool right now.
Subsequently, it’s highly likely that Kelleher’s ambition will see him leave Anfield in the near future.
No doubt when he does, the man from Cork will be a roaring success. Whenever he’s stepped in for Alisson over the last two years or so, Liverpool haven’t missed their brilliant Brazilian. That’s the highest compliment you can give Kelleher.
His time will certainly come and will surely be away from Liverpool. But for now, Caoimhin is still a Red. He must focus on getting himself fit, and then make sure he impresses whenever called upon this season.
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