Caoimhin Kelleher playing in the Premier League with Liverpool. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Caoimhin Kelleher proved once again on Wednesday night exactly why he shouldn’t be a back-up goalkeeper.
The 26-year-old has been playing second fiddle to Alisson Becker between the posts at Anfield for years. However, injuries to the Brazilian have meant that Kelleher has enjoyed extended minutes over the past two seasons, playing 36 times from the start of the 2023/24 campaign to date.
‘Cruncher’: Kylian Mbappe humiliated by Liverpool debutant in Champions League clash!
Kelleher has made the most of his opportunities, putting in a string of eye-catching displays that have prompted speculation he could leave. Liverpool soon in pursuit of a well-deserved number 1 jersey.
These rumors only gained momentum following the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will arrive at Anfield when his loan spell at Valencia ends in the summer.
The headlines are likely to be overblown now after Kelleher saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the titanic Liverpool. Champions League clash with holders Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Caoimhin All deny Kylian Mbappé from the spot! ?
? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/fr45wUF2Cj
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024
As Squawka pointed out, Kelleher has now saved three of the four penalties he has faced for Liverpool in all competitions (except shootouts), which also includes a penalty against Southampton on Sunday.
Excluding penalties, CaoimhÃn Kelleher has now saved three of the four penalties he has faced for Liverpool in all competitions.
Penalty saves in consecutive matches. ? pic.twitter.com/NfDBKTT2Pc
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 27, 2024
It’s more, for BBC SportKelleher also holds the record for the number of penalties saved for Liverpool in a shootout.
Should Caoimhin Kelleher be the No.1 goalkeeper?
Kelleher will not be short of offers in the summer if he cannot offload Alisson for good.
His performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday explained to many why Kelleher should be the No.1 goalkeeper at a top-flight club; including for ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman.
“Kelleher is doing fantastic. Every time he’s called on, he steps up,” McManaman said after the penalty save. He added: “He’s an absolute superstar in his own right. He’s not number two. He’s an equal number one. He’s fantastic.”
