Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday night, beating Ajax 1-0 at Anfield.
The Reds claimed a narrow victory as Curtis Jones prodded home from a tight angle, profiting from an Andre Onana error.
After a 2-0 defeat to Atalanta and then a 1-1 draw at Brighton, Liverpool needed the boost of three points – and it came after Jurgen Klopp made a bold decision.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson picked up a small leg injury, and Klopp surprisingly chose to go with Caoimhin Kelleher between the sticks instead of the more experienced Adrian.
The 22-year-old justified the decision, turning in a fine display as he made a pair of fine saves from Noussair Mazraoui before denying Klaas-Jan Huntelaar late on.
This was Kelleher’s big chance; he’s been waiting for a first-team opportunity at Anfield, and he has now got it – but it could spell the end for Adrian.
The Spaniard endured a torrid night at Aston Villa in October, which may well have been the beginning of the end for the former West Ham goalkeeper.
He was poor playing out from the back and leaked seven goals, with Kelleher now potentially ahead of him in the Liverpool pecking order.
This comes at a tricky time for Adrian, given that his contract at Liverpool ends next summer, and the Reds have a one-year option on that deal.
Having seen Kelleher impress on Tuesday, Klopp may now be tempted to promote the Irishman to become Alisson’s main cover, and ultimately letting Adrian walk next summer.
Add in that Liverpool have been encouraged by the potential and talent of Marcelo Pitaluga, and the writing may well be on the wall for Adrian as his contract winds down.
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