Paul Merson spoke in awe on Soccer Special (01/12/20 at 10:05 pm) about Caoimhin Kelleher’s performance last night after he helped Liverpool to a 1-0 win against Ajax in the Champions League.
It was a night when Liverpool’s academy stars shone bright, with teenage duo Neco Williams and Curtis Jones combining for the only goal of the game and Kelleher producing some ‘world-class’ saves in between the sticks.
Before the match, Jurgen Klopp made the big call to select Kelleher ahead of the experienced Adrian in between the sticks, but in the end, it was a masterstroke decision by the German.
Merson stated that the 22-year-old Irishman was ‘outstanding in everything’ he did on the night and he couldn’t quite believe some of the saves he was pulling off.
“I am not going to use this word loosely that was an absolute worldie [save from Huntelaar],” said Merson. “He’s only six yards out and it’s great reactions from the keeper.
“He has had an unbelievable night. That was a world-class save. Honestly, his reactions different class. He’s going to win them games.
“The goalie should be very pleased. He was absolutely outstanding in everything he did tonight. He made two top saves and everything else was superb.
“I would say so [he has elevated himself as number two]. I thought he was very confident for a young lad. 22, for a goalkeeper, is very, very young. There aren’t too many world-class keepers at, 22, and this lad was very good.”
Keeping a clean sheet on your Champions League debut is good enough, but announcing yourself to the rest of the world in the manner in which Kelleher did speaks volumes.
The youngsters, who have been given those extra minutes because of the injury problems on Merseyside, are putting a smile on Klopp’s face.
Once the experienced and more proven players return, they will take their rightful place in the starting XI, but Klopp now knows that he has some serious talent to call upon when needed.
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