Paul Merson feels there is ‘not a lot’ between the ‘world-class’ goalkeepers of Carabao Cup finalists Liverpool and Chelsea, Alisson and Edouard Mendy, via his Sportskeeda column.
Yet Merson doubts either will start, as Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel should back those who got them to Wembley. Caoimhin Kelleher has started three of the Reds’ five fixtures on route to Sunday’s showdown. While Kepa Arrizabalaga has played all five of the Blues’.
Klopp was without Kelleher for Liverpool’s fourth-round win at Preston North End through illness. He also opted to start Alisson at home to Arsenal in their semi-final first-leg, before recalling Kelleher at the Emirates Stadium with Liverpool’s £67m ace placed on the bench.
Liverpool made Alisson the world’s most expensive goalkeeper with his transfer from Roma in 2018. A record that stood for just three-weeks before Chelsea spent £71m on Kepa. The Blues again refreshed their option between the sticks in 2020 with Mendy joining for £22m.
Alisson turned Liverpool’s fortunes around in goal to help win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, a Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup. Mendy has had a similar impact at Chelsea with Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup winners’ medals.
Merson feels ‘not a lot’ separating Liverpool’s Allison and Chelsea’s Mendy
Mendy’s efforts between the sticks at Stamford Bridge saw FIFA name the Chelsea ace the world’s best goalkeeper in 2021. But Merson does not believe there is a lot separating him from Liverpool’s Alisson. Even though he feels neither should start the Carabao Cup final.
“Liverpool and Chelsea have been among the best teams in world football this season and are blessed with top-class players across the pitch,” Merson wrote. “So, when you look at a potential combined XI, there is a case for both teams to have enough players.
“Alisson Becker and Edouard Mendy are unlikely to feature in the final. But they’re both world-class goalkeepers in their own right, and I believe there’s not a lot between them in terms of quality.”
Klopp has stated, via the Liverpool Echo, that ‘there’s no chance’ Kelleher does not start in the Carabao Cup final. The German believes the Irish star has been ‘exceptional’ so far this season so deserves to feature at Wembley. Leaving Alisson and possibly Mendy spectators.
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