“He's very impressive” | Should Caoimhin Kelleher keep his place as Liverpool goalkeeper long term?
Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Conundrum: Can Kelleher Keep His Place?
In a surprise twist, Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation has taken a dramatic turn. With Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury, Adrian Kelleher has stepped in and impressed, saving a penalty from Kylian Mbappé in the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain. But the question on everyone’s mind is: can Kelleher keep his place once Alisson returns to fitness?
Kelleher’s Impressive Record
Kelleher has been ever so good, saving three penalties in the space of two weeks. He has also saved three penalties in the Champions League, including the one against Mbappé. In addition, he holds the Liverpool club record for saves in penalty shootouts, stopping six across four Carabao Cup games. His impressive record has left many wondering if he has done enough to keep his place in the team.
The Debate: Allison vs Kelleher
The debate between Alisson and Kelleher has been sparked, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on the topic. Ad Akim Fena, a huge Liverpool fan, tweeted that even with Alisson fit, Kelleher has to keep his place. While it’s a bold statement, it’s hard to argue with Kelleher’s impressive form.
Comparing the Two Goalkeepers
Let’s compare the two goalkeepers’ stats this season. Alisson has played one more game due to Kelleher’s injury, conceding six goals. Meanwhile, Kelleher has conceded three goals in his four appearances. The saves, however, are where Kelleher shines, with 31 sweeper keeper regains and errors leading to goals.
The Future: Mamadou Sakho and the Squad
Liverpool have already signed Valencia’s Mamadou Sakho for next season, which adds to the goalkeeper conundrum. In September, Sakho stated he wanted to leave to be a number one, and the club has made the decision to sign another goalkeeper. This has led to speculation that the club is planning to go in a different direction.
The Impact on the Title Race
Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid has given them a massive mental advantage heading into their clash with Manchester City on Sunday. The Reds are eight points clear of City, and only three times has a lead been this big after 12 games. If Liverpool win on Sunday, they’d be 11 points clear, a lead that has only been overturned three times in Premier League history.
The Conclusion
The goalkeeping situation at Liverpool is a nice headache to have, but it’s a decision that Jurgen Klopp will have to make soon. Can Kelleher keep his place, or will Alisson return to his starting spot? One thing is for sure, the Reds are looking strong heading into their clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
