Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed to BT Sport that he dropped Adrian in favour of Caoimhin Kelleher last night due to his ability in possession.
Adrian has typically been understudy to Alisson throughout his time at Liverpool, but after the Brazilian was ruled out with injury last night, Jurgen Klopp turned to Kelleher.
It was a surprise selection decision, but one which certainly paid dividends for Liverpool.
The youngster put in a fine display, as he helped Liverpool keep a clean sheet and beat Ajax 1-0 on his Champions League debut.
And Klopp said: “Adrian did an incredible job for us last year, but in this game we need the natural football playing ability of Caoimhin. He is an excellent shot stopper as well. I am really happy with how calm and good he was.”
Immediately after the comments Gary Lineker felt it was ‘interesting’ that Klopp name-dropped Adrian in his post match interview.
And the presenter suggested that Klopp may have been doing so to ensure that Adrian stayed onside, despite the blow of not being backed to start yesterday.
“It was interesting that he said some nice things about Adrian, because you can see why he wants to keep him sweet,” Lineker said.
“But he bought him in for his footballing ability, as well as his goalkeeping ability, and that is such a sign of the modern game.”
It will now be very intriguing to see which goalkeeper Klopp goes with at the weekend.
Liverpool are set to take on Wolves on Sunday, and they could be without Alisson again, which means Kelleher may now be given his Premier League debut in four days’ time.
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