Xabi Alonso singled out one Liverpool player for praise whose name might’ve escaped the headlines in their 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
Luis Diaz inevitably stole the show with a second-half hat-trick, with the home side’s other goal netted by Cody Gakpo as the Reds ran riot after half-time.
The Colombian’s second and third goals of the night were scored in the final 10 minutes, and while Arne Slot’s team were still in firm control at 2-0, there could’ve been a nervy ending to the game were it not for a splendid double save from Caoimhin Kelleher to deny Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz in quick succession.
Alonso praises Kelleher for double save
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alonso pointed to a couple of missed chances from the usually prolific Victor Boniface and some fine saves from the Liverpool goalkeeper as what-if moments which could’ve ensured a much tighter final quarter-hour at Anfield.
The Leverkusen boss rued (via TBR Football): “We were going full gas to try and change the mindset. We had some chances with Boni, a few other chances where Kelleher made good saves. Maybe, at 2-1, something changes.”
Alonso right to highlight Kelleher’s contribution
In the revelry of the emphatic final scoreline, it can be easy to forget the importance of Kelleher’s late double save, but Alonso certainly didn’t. Had either Schick or Wirtz found a way past the goalkeeper at that point, Anfield would surely have become rather more tense.
The Irishman has long since justified Liverpool’s decision to reject a late August bid from Nottingham Forest, not only being on call to step in for the injured Alisson Becker (again) but routinely producing big saves in vital moments.
Think back to last Saturday when Brighton were 1-0 up and Georginio Rutter was through on goal. Had he scored, it would’ve felt like a long way back for the Reds, but our Cork custodian stood tall to thwart the Seagulls forward.
The 25-year-old made four saves in total last night, while he was also tidy in possession as he completed 27 of his 34 passes for a 79% success rate (Sofascore).
Kelleher’s contribution to Liverpool’s latest win shouldn’t be ignored, and Alonso was quite right to give credit where it was due.
It really makes me wonder why LFC’s big signing of the summer was a goalkeeper. Clearly Giorgi Mamardashvili is a fine goalkeeper and Alisson is starting to look injury prone but neither Kelleher nor Jaros have let us down when they’ve been called upon.
I suspect it’s because around pre-season, it was looking bleak for Kelleher overtaking Alisson as #1. Despite Kelleher’s strong run of games, I believe he will opt to leave the club again in the summer.
Because Allison is still seen as the no1 for the next couple of seasons and kelleher doesn’t want to wait that long.
So right there. I enjoyed the performances of Jaros against the seagulls. Kelleher is a massive figure between the sticks.
LFC decided to sign Mamardashvili way before Jaros’ debut. 2ndly, there was uncertainty with Kelleher whether he’s gonna leave or stay
You’re right, as for me I still trust the goal keepers we have, it will be sad to see kelleher leave the club
Basically, he’s saying that without Keleher’s great performance, his team would be scoring easily—not because of our defense, but thanks to Keleher’s saves. It’s all right, Alonso; you’re the opposing manager, so I get it.
Kelleher deserves to be the first choice keeper it makes no sense for Liverpool to loose a keeper of his quality
Absolutely Right. Kelleher is an irreplaceable asset. Proud of him.
A stan out keeper, Irish we see well done
Kelleher has been immense every time he has been called upon for the last 3 years . Don’t forget he stepped up to score the winning penalty in the carbon cup . He is top class . I would love someone in power at liverpool to explain why he is not been considered going forward . 25 and his best days to come it’s a nobrainer . Maybe there might be a twist in the thinking in may . YNWA
Never forget salah contribution….
Well I agree with all the plaudits fr Kelleher – but he has one failing in his keeping – he is most of the time (always in all dead ball situations like free kicks outside the box and corners) always rooted to his line – he is very wary to come off his line/the best goalkeepers know when they need to come off their line and deal with the situation (reminds me a bit of Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan – he had the same problem) – until he masters that situation in his keeping (it would certainly help him to watch Villa’s Martinez – who always takes charge of the situation when he sniffs danger)! YNWA
let kelleher stay and compete with mamardashvili. #YNWA.
Alison Becker is the best goalie,
Yes, not coming out of the box timeously is also Allison’s weakness.Maybe it is the goalkeepers’ coach’s problem
If an outfield player plays well they keep their place I think kelleher should keep his when Alison is fit at least until he messes up.