11 months ago
201 Steve McManaman has suggested that Caoimhin Kelleher has been exceptional, but so unfortunate during his time at Liverpool.
McManaman was speaking after the Reds needed Caoimhin Kelleher to make a superb save to deny Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League on Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp made a number of changes for their final group-stage game. But Kelleher was one of those to keep his place, making his fifth appearance in this year’s competition.
Steve McManaman lauds Caoimhin Kelleher during Liverpool tie
And he was there to make a big save from close range in the first-half. Unsurprisingly, Steve McManaman – who was commentating for TNT Sports (broadcast on 14/12; 18:07) – was full of praise for the Republic of Ireland international, noting that he has the quality to play a lot more for Liverpool.
“This is just a simple ball round the side. Uses his strength to get across Quansah. Doesn’t really do that much. Great save from Kelleher. He has to be strong,” he said.
“I mean, he’s almost a number one, isn’t he, Kelleher. He’s just so unfortunate he’s got Alisson Becker in front of him. But he’s been exceptional since he’s been at Liverpool.”
Reds would love to keep goalkeeper for as long as possible
It is a massive boost for Liverpool to have a player with the quality of the 25-year-old providing cover and competition for Alisson.
Being the Brazilian’s understudy cannot be easy. Alisson has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world over the last few years.
But Liverpool believe that they have one of the best backup goalkeepers in the Premier League in Kelleher. And it is very rare that he does not show his quality when he gets the chance to play for the Reds.
The challenge for Klopp is keeping Kelleher happy in the coming years. Alisson is 31 so he could potentially still play at the highest level for a number of years yet.
It is hard to imagine that Kelleher will be content to be the backup for too much longer. Certainly, he would be forgiven for wanting to consider the options he has to leave Anfield in the future.
The post 'So unfortunate': McManaman says he feels for 25-year-old who's only ever been 'exceptional' for Liverpool appeared first on TBR Football.
