Liverpool's Andy Robertson has claimed that Caoimhín Kelleher is a different class keeper after another fine performance for the club. Kelleher, who is Liverpool's number 2, has been called into action over the last number of weeks because of Alisson Becker's injury and has not looked like a keeper lacking gametime.
Kelleher and Liverpool have left the Czech Republic with a four-goal cushion to take back to Anfield after a 5-1 win. It was Kelleher who prevented that goal cushion from being less wide on Thursday night.
Excellent strikes from Prague's Jan Kuchta and Lukas Haraslin were expertly prevented by the Irish shot stopper. His saves mean that the Cork native has saved eight out of the last 15 big chances he has faced. This, coupled with a number of excellent stops in the Carabao Cup final, where Liverpool beat a strong Chelsea side to win 1-0 at Wembley.
Kelleher has received plaudits online for his displays, with some wondering why Liverpool have the best number 2 in their team casually just sitting on the bench.
Robertson, who also played in the Prague game, gave a special mention to the Ireland keeper for his abilities and is backing him to continue his fine form for the club.
“Look, he’s a different class keeper,” Robertson said of Kelleher. “He’s so good with his feet and with his hands, and he makes important saves. Unfortunately, the circumstances with Alisson mean Caoimhín gets a run in the team, which is good for him, and you can see the confidence he’s playing with. You can see that with every shot, he believes that he can save, and that’s what we need.
Superb again, Caoimhin Kelleher 👏 pic.twitter.com/Cdc1zAFKIZ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 7, 2024
“We know how good Ali is; Ali’s the best in the world, and now Caoimhín is showing he can play at this level and can play in the Premier League. That can only help us. He’s been unbelievable since he came in, and long may that continue for however long Ali is going to be out for.”
Robertson's praise also comes weeks after Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk called his teammate Kelleher "world-class."
"I always said that he is a world-class goalkeeper," said the Liverpool defender after their win over Brentford.
"It is very difficult to be a second goalkeeper, but there is no shame in being a second goalkeeper to one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in the world.
"He has to step up now, and everyone needs a bit of confidence, and everyone should give him the confidence that he will do the job. Everyone needs a bit of love from the outside."
Liverpool fans will be hoping that Kelleher can produce another strong display on Sunday, when City come to Anfield. Liverpool play Manchester City at Anfield at 4:30 on Sunday.
