Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has plenty of sympathy for Caoimhin Kelleher with the ‘exceptional’ goalkeeper stuck behind Alisson Becker in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.
The Republic of Ireland international would probably be a starter for many a club in England’s top flight. But not at Liverpool. Not with one of the finest shot-stoppers of the modern era holding the number one jersey under lock and key.
Caoimhin Kelleher has played back-up to Alisson Becker ever since forcing his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans, McManaman sympathising with a man who, at the age of 25, has only 30 senior appearances under his belt.
Caoimhin Kelleher impresses in rare Liverpool start
“(Kelleher is) almost a number one. He’s just unfortunate he’s got Alisson Becker in front of him!,” McManaman, the one-time Manchester City, Real Madrid and England winger, tells TNT Sports (14 December, 6pm).
“He’s been exceptional since he’s come to Liverpool. A really reliable goalkeeper.”
With Alisson still nursing an injury, Kelleher has enjoyed a rare run of games between the sticks under Klopp. The reported Tottenham Hotspur target impressed as a youthful Liverpool side lost in the Europa League at Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday too, pulling off a string of fine saves and not for the first time of late.
“I’m pleased for Caoimhin. A clean sheet. A world-class goalkeeper in my eyes,” Virgil van Dijk told the Liverpool website after Kelleher kept Sheffield United off the scoresheet during a hard-fought 2-0 win at Bramall Lane last week.
“And obviously it’s good to see (him perform) as well.”
‘A world-class goalkeeper’
Kelleher is under contract at Anfield until the summer of 2026. The player himself has admitted that he may look to secure a move away from Liverpool if first-team opportunities remain scarce, however, and that stance is unlikely to chance if – as expected – Alisson is thrown straight back into the starting XI when he returns to full fitness.
“Caoimhin needs to play more football,” Irish icon Packie Bonner tells the Irish Independent. “The more games at senior level will make him an even better goalkeeper. And he will learn from playing matches.
“More games means more experience. And that, in turn, means you’re making better decisions and learning all of the time. It going to be very tough for him to get into the team at Liverpool.”
It remains to be seen if Alisson is back for Liverpool during Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
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