Virgil van Dijk has told BeIN Sports that Caoimhin Kelleher was “outstanding” for Liverpool on Sunday afternoon – and the experience will improve him going forward. Kelleher starred in the penalty shootout.
Kelleher, 23, started for Liverpool on Sunday in the Carabao Cup as the Reds faced Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp chose to stick with the Ireland international – having used Kelleher in three of the previous five rounds.
It all came down to a shootout and after both teams had scored all 10 of their penalties – it was a do-or-die battle between Kelleher and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Irishman came out on top, scoring a superb penalty.
He then watched Kepa blaze one over the bar, and van Dijk has heaped praise on the young Liverpool star. He branded Kelleher as “outstanding”, predicting the experience will improve his confidence and maturity.
“He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. He deserved to start today. I’m just very happy for him. It will give him a boost, some confidence. Obviously it makes him much more mature. In the shootout, as cool as he was – outstanding.”
Van Dijk on Kelleher: Liverpool star shines – ahead of summer window
The Irishman is now a proper, established no.2 at Liverpool – overtaking Adrian. But will he be happy to remain at Anfield, instead of going to a club where he will be installed as the number one goalkeeper?
Plenty of Championship clubs would love to have a goalkeeper of Kelleher’s quality as their no.1. It is up to the player if he wants to stay at Liverpool or go and be first choice elsewhere. But Sunday will certainly attract suitors.
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