Liverpool legend claims Kelleher deserves starting role over Alisson

Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes Caoimhin Kelleher should retain his starting role as goalkeeper after Alisson Becker returns from injury. Kelleher has played a pivotal part in the Reds’ success during the fixture congestion period after the October international break.

Liverpool played many top opponents during the period with few days of rest separating these critical games from separate competitions. The Reds beat Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa while earning an Arsenal draw.

Liverpool lost Alisson before the October international break due to a hamstring injury as the Brazilian plans to return soon. The Reds are currently waiting for the end of the November international break, hoping for their players’ safe return home.

Liverpool have enjoyed the luxury of having two incredible goalkeepers PhAlisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher. (Photo by Andrew Powell /Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson will remain the first-choice goalkeeper after his return from injury. Slot made this clarification after Kelleher’s heroic display against Villa during the 2-0 victory at Anfield in the Premier League.

Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column that Kelleher deserves the starting role over Alisson as a reward for performances. He wrote:

“Caoimhin Kelleher has been magnificent and I actually think Arne Slot has got a really big decision to make in the next few weeks. Once Alisson is fit, I don’t think it’s fair if Kelleher gets demoted to the bench. I think he’s been absolutely first-class. He’s been faultless with everything he has done in the games, and I think Ali will be looking at it and be embarrassed if he went back in because he’s done such a good job.”

Kelleher enjoyed more game time last season under Jurgen Klopp when Alisson suffered a long injury lay-off. He has acquired a good reputation for his sensational saves and reliability as the goalkeeper despite playing deputy to Alisson.

However, the Irishman has highlighted his desire to become a primary goalkeeper while accepting the immense qualities of Alisson. Alisson’s injury is a recurring problem for the Brazilian goalkeeper which potentially played a big factor in Liverpool’s decision to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for the future seasons.

Meanwhile, Marmardashvili’s signing puts Kelleher in a peculiar situation as he has reached the peak year of his career. Liverpool fans want the best for the Irishman even if it means that he will leave the club eventually.