When it comes to the great pantheon of players who have won multiple trophies at the club and have played multiple finals it is moot where exactly Caoimhin Kelleher falls on the line. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has won more trophies than some during their entire Liverpool career.
Yet he’s not a Liverpool icon just yet. He’s not even a regular member of the club’s starting XI. Forever a perennial substitute, Kelleher has always had to bide his time to earn the starting XI distinction. Most of the time it hasn’t even been through merit but rather an injury to Alisson Becker instead.
Kelleher’s talent deserves more. He is a brilliant shot-stopper and a fantastic goalkeeper with his feet. On Sunday night he showcased his extraordinary potential and ability in the Carabao Cup final. Kelleher made some superb saves and did his utmost to keep Chelsea from scoring. Now pundits are recognising that talent as well, and rightfully singing his praises.
Pundit on Caoimhin Kelleher
Speaking on The Stand, podcast host Eamon Dunphy and Phil Giles discussed Caoimhin Kelleher’s performances for Liverpool. Especially his game in the Carabao Cup final.
“He was great wasn’t he John?” Eamon Dunphy said.
“Ah, he’s a great lad!” Giles agreed.
Dunphy then went onto describe just how lucky Liverpool are to have the young goalkeeper playing for the club.
“We’re lucky to have him, Liverpool are lucky to have him and when you consider that the other goalkeeper that’s injured with a hamstring strain at the moment is Alisson of Brazil, probably the best goalkeeper in the world.
“And he’s sitting on the bench year after year, but he’s willing to do it and when he’s called upon, he made a couple of great saves.”
Giles also claimed that Kelleher kept Liverpool in the game and added that he should be getting more minutes at first team level.
“He kept them in the game in the first half. He’s a smashing lad you can see it on the pitch.
“Never gets flustered, never gets onto his teammates, never makes a show of himself in any way, just gets on with the job. The only thing I would say now which would be a little bit of a minus, he’s not getting as many games as he should be getting.
“Now, I’m sure he loves Liverpool and they look after him and that, but for a goalkeeper or anybody but goalkeepers in particular, they need games. But what he did yesterday and what he’s done for Liverpool has been brilliant. No fuss, no bother, gets on with the job.”
Kelleher’s commitment to the cause at Liverpool is a testament to his professionalism. He should be remembered as one of the best goalkeepers to have played for the club after Sunday night. Even though he’s not even first choice.
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