Caoimhin Kelleher was the star of the night as Liverpool needed penalties to stop League One side Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup – and the Reds goalkeeper has earned praise from Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.
Kelleher, 23, was afforded only his 18th senior appearance for the Reds, and his first this season, as Liverpool took on Derby. He kept a clean sheet in the 90 minutes, but his Liverpool teammates failed to find the back of the net.
However, the Ireland international was not simply happy with his clean sheet against The Rams. Indeed, he stopped three of Derby’s five penalties in the shootout – denying Conor Hourihane, Craig Forsyth and Lewis Dobbin.
A wonderful performance, which prompted Jurgen Klopp to react by saying: “wow”. Indeed, Kelleher took to Instagram to underline his delight at saving three penalties in the shootout – and helping the Reds reach the fourth round.
Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher earns praise from Alisson and van Dijk
What a performance from the Ireland international. It underlines the quality the Reds ace has, perhaps surpassing what Klopp and the Liverpool coaches might have thought about him before. The penalties are decent attempts, too.
Hourihane is renowned for being decent from the spot and his shot at goal is a strong penalty. But Kelleher was more than up to stopping his international teammate. While Liverpool struggled in the final third, Kelleher was superb.
If the Reds can keep hold of Kelleher for as long as possible as the club’s cover for Alisson, then they will have done very well. He is easily good enough to go and play for a club in the Championship, or even the Premier League.
Reacting to his Instagram post, Alisson delivered a four-word verdict – telling Kelleher he “loved it, my brother”. Van Dijk also gave his reaction with a couple of fire emojis.
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