Shay Given has told The Irish Times that Caoimhin Kelleher should either depart Liverpool or go on loan.
Kelleher: The perfect No.2
Since becoming the second-choice goalkeeper behind Alisson, the Irishman has been an ever-dependable figure for Jurgen Klopp to call upon.
The Reds’ recent 3-2 victory on penalties against Derby County in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup is the perfect example. As the game was set to be decided in a shootout, the 23-year old emerged as the hero on the night, saving a ridiculous three spot-kicks.
However, this is anything but the first instance in which Kelleher has come up clutch for Liverpool in a rare start.
Just last season, the Irish international put in a pair of stellar displays against Chelsea in the finals of both the FA Cup as well as the Carabao Cup.
In the latter especially, the backup shotstopper had the nerve to dispatch his penalty past Kepa Arrizabalaga to settle the tie for his side.
Whilst Alisson is arguably the standout goalkeeper in the world, Caoimhin Kelleher may well be the best No.2 in the business.
Shay Given urges his fellow countryman to find a way out of Liverpool
Speaking to The Irish Times, Shay Given felt it was key for Caoimhin Kelleher to get minutes as a first-choice goalkeeper by either leaving Liverpool or heading out on loan.
“It’s a tricky one for Caoimhin [Kelleher]”, he said.
Given continued, “But whether he should stick or twist, for me, I’d have to twist. He’s not 18 or 19. Don’t get me wrong, he has loads of time ahead of him but I’m sure he wants to be playing.”
“[Jurgen] Klopp really likes him because, where are you going to get a No.2 as good as him? You just aren’t. But at the same time, you just have one life, one career and I’m sure he’s itching to be playing.”
“Even if Liverpool were to let him go on loan for a season or two. Alisson is a bit older so it’s not impossible that Caoimhin could go out on loan and eventually be brought back, and still have a career at Liverpool.”
“Either way, he’s not a No.2. He’s definitely a No.1.”
Now, one will assess whether Kelleher takes Given’s advice on board or stays content with being a backup to Alisson at Liverpool for years to come.
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