Caoimhin Kelleher has been solid for Liverpool and often pulled off great saves in the absence of Alisson Becker in the last few weeks. The Irishman has done enough to show that some big clubs would want him next summer if he leaves Anfield. However, his mistake for Newcastle’s equaliser on Wednesday night showed he still lacks the consistency that a Liverpool number one needs to have.
For close to five years, Kelleher has spent in the shadows of Alisson who will go down as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Liverpool’s history.
He has been unlucky to be the number 2 behind the Brazilian and at any other Premier League club he would have had the chance to be the number one but Alisson has been too good for too long for the Reds.
The Brazilian’s injury in October gave Kelleher a rare opportunity to get a solid run of games and he has put in some impressive performances, both in the Premier League and then Champions League.
He will have a year left on his contract with Liverpool next summer and there is expected to be a queue of clubs in the Premier League and Europe who would be keen to sign him at the end of the season.
However, at St. James’ Park, the Irishman showed why he never got the opportunity to be the Liverpool number one despite being at the club for close to five years.
Kelleher will leave without ever getting the chance to be the number one at Anfield
The Ireland number one misjudged the flight of the ball, which led to Fabian Schar scoring the late equaliser in the 3-3 draw on Tyneside.
The goalkeeper looked disappointed as his mistake led to Liverpool dropping crucial points in a game where they fought back from being 2-1 down away from home.
The moment also showed why Alisson has been such a great goalkeeper as he would have unlikely to have made that big mistake at that crucial juncture.
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Kelleher will start the Merseyside derby at Everton but Liverpool fans will be counting the days before Alisson is ready to return.
Liverpool’s defence has looked shaky in recent games and they need the Brazilian’s assurance between the sticks to bring some calmness to the proceedings.
The Irishman has been solid and Arne Slot provided support to the goalkeeper following his big mistake.
“Unfortunately for Caoimhin, if you make a mistake as a goalkeeper it is very difficult for someone else to cover it up for you”, the Liverpool manager said in a press conference.
“He has done that for us a few times when someone else has made a mistake, he has helped up. He is in a good place, although disappointed like all the others that we dropped points from a winning situation one minute from the end.”
However, the Liverpool manager would be keen to have Alisson back between the sticks as soon as possible.
