Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praises Caoimhin Kelleher and calls him the best in the world at his role
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made three penalty saves against Derby County to ensure that Liverpool kickstarted their Carabao Cup defence with a win. At the end of 90 minutes, the fixture ended without a goal and it all came down to penalties.
In normal time as well, Kelleher was excellent between the sticks and made three saves. Moreover, his long balls were 100% accurate as well (stats from FotMob). Even though he wasn’t tested as much, his focus and concentration made sure that there are no slip-ups.
It was the 23-year-old Irishman’s first start across all competitions after a groin injury kept him out of a major part of the season so far. The Reds’ academy graduate has played 18 games for the first team in all competitions and has nine clean sheets so far.
Caoimhin’s heroics in goal also means that he has now won more penalty shootouts than any Liverpool goalkeeper in the club’s entire history. The Irishman has proved to be an extremely trustworthy asset for manager Jurgen Klopp who said this about him to LFCTV:
“I’ve said before, I think we have the best number two in the world as well. He’s [Kelleher] had problems with injuries this season, but when he’s fit he’s outstanding. He’s good on the ball. And the last penalty save is one of the best you have ever saw. All three actually I thought were brilliant,”
His last start for the Reds came in the same competition last season, wherein he was instrumental in Liverpool’s win over Chelsea in the final. He saved all of the Blues’ penalties in that game and with Kepa’s shot flying over the crossbar, Liverpool won the EFL Cup.
Kelleher is Liverpool’s EFL Cup hero
His calm composed nature on the ball is something that has left fans shocked. For his age, he is an extremely efficient passer of the ball and keeps everything in control. Moreover, he has Alisson Becker around him and could benefit a lot from being under his wing.
However, he has proved to be too good to remain a backup and could possibly go elsewhere in search of more game time. Nevertheless, he still remains an extremely important player for the manager, and he could feature more over the course of this season.
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With a league fixture against Southampton the only game remaining before the players leave for the World Cup, Kelleher stands a good chance to play a league game against The Saints.
