Caoimhin Kelleher’s rise as a reliable and consistently impressive goalkeeper at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable.
Despite being relegated to a backup role for much of his career at Anfield, Kelleher’s performances have shown that he is more than capable of being a first-choice keeper, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere. In fact, his displays in both domestic and international competitions have solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers, with many now questioning how long the Irishman can remain as the understudy to Alisson Becker.
Kelleher, 25, has proven time and again that he is not a player who should be content sitting on the bench. His most recent run in the first team, filling in for the injured Alisson, has once again highlighted his class and composure under pressure. Despite a heavy defeat for the Republic of Ireland at Wembley last Sunday, Kelleher’s overall form has been impressive. In fact, his performances for Liverpool in key matches have cemented his status as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League.
One of the most notable moments in Kelleher’s career came during last season’s Carabao Cup final, where he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s triumph—securing the club’s last trophy under Jürgen Klopp. It was performances like that which raised eyebrows across the league, as many were left to wonder why a keeper of his quality had not been snapped up by another Premier League side. However, Liverpool’s resolve to keep Kelleher last summer proved that they value the Irishman highly, and with good reason.
While Southampton splashed £25 million on Arsenal backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, no Premier League club offered anything close to that sum for Kelleher, leaving Liverpool with little choice but to retain their highly rated backup. This reluctance from other clubs to meet Kelleher’s value is perplexing, especially when considering the fact that he has more than proven his worth on the pitch. With Alisson’s injury history always a concern, Kelleher’s presence as a dependable backup has been invaluable to Klopp and the Liverpool hierarchy.
Kelleher’s numbers this season speak for themselves. Despite only playing five league games so far, he has kept more clean sheets than the majority of Premier League keepers, a testament to his ability to step in when needed and deliver consistent, high-level performances. His key contributions in matches against the likes of Chelsea, Brighton, and RB Leipzig have been crucial, and his ability to make decisive saves when the pressure is on only adds to his growing reputation.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
In a time when many top clubs struggle to find suitable backups for their first-choice keepers, Liverpool’s situation is enviable. Kelleher’s emergence as a reliable No. 2 has been a stark contrast to the club’s struggles in previous years, when they were unable to find any real competition for the likes of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool had a string of unconvincing backups, including the disastrous performances of Karius in the Champions League final and the rather forgettable spells of Charles Itandje and Brad Jones.
Kelleher’s emergence represents a significant turning point for Liverpool. The club has not only found a worthy deputy for Alisson, but they have also developed a goalkeeper capable of being a No. 1 at any top-tier club. His shot-stopping ability is complemented by his exceptional distribution, with the young keeper averaging 32.8 passes per game—higher than some Premier League midfielders. This is indicative of Kelleher’s ability to contribute to the team’s build-up play, something that sets him apart from many other goalkeepers in the league.
However, the reality for Kelleher is that with Alisson’s imminent return to the starting lineup, he will soon revert to his backup role once more. While this is undoubtedly disappointing for a keeper of Kelleher’s quality, it is clear that he has no intention of remaining as a permanent understudy. As the January transfer window approaches, Kelleher’s future is likely to be a topic of significant interest, with clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe surely monitoring his situation closely.
Liverpool’s decision to keep Kelleher last summer may have been motivated in part by Alisson’s injury record, which has seen the Brazilian sidelined for periods throughout his time at Anfield. While Kelleher has more than justified his place in the squad with his performances, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Irishman to remain content in his current role. If Kelleher continues to perform at the highest level, it is only a matter of time before he seeks a starting role elsewhere, where he could finally claim the No. 1 spot he so clearly deserves.
As Liverpool prepares for the return of their first-choice keeper, Kelleher’s contribution to the team cannot be overstated. His performances have not only kept the team competitive in both domestic and European competitions but have also allowed Klopp to rest Alisson without fear of a significant drop in quality. For a player who has been largely relegated to a backup role for the majority of his career, Kelleher’s ability to rise to the occasion and perform when called upon speaks volumes about his talent and professionalism.
Looking ahead, Kelleher’s future at Liverpool is uncertain. With the club reportedly interested in adding Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia next summer, Kelleher’s position may become even more precarious. However, if he continues to impress both for Liverpool and for Ireland, his opportunities will surely come, whether at Anfield or elsewhere.
In the end, one thing is certain: Caoimhin Kelleher is a genuine No. 1 goalkeeper. Whether he remains at Liverpool or moves to another top club, his talent is undeniable. It is only a matter of time before he claims the starting role he so richly deserves, and when that happens, clubs across Europe will surely be looking at him as one of the best young goalkeepers in the game.