Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher must have doubts regarding his playing minutes at Liverpool amidst cutthroat competition for the goalkeeping position in the Irish national team
Jurgen Klopp has been magnificent at his job of managing the star-studded Liverpool squad. The team gelled magnificently last season and very few players might have something to complain about the state of affairs at Anfield as a whole. Caoimhin Kelleher is one such player who might have a few questions to raise regarding his future. Kelleher played second fiddle to Alisson the whole of last season and lacked the necessary game time.
Kelleher had a wonderful season playing as the second-choice goalkeeper for Liverpool. His heroics against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final helped the Reds to claim a victory and win the FA cup. He was clinical in the goal line with his clearances and saves. Moreover, he scored what would prove to be the match-winning penalty in the 11-10 shootout victory. The 23-year-old is by far the most capable backup given his performances for the Reds. However, this second fiddle role doesn’t do justice to his abilities as a goalkeeper.
He is at a crucial juncture in his career and will be desperate for regular football this season. Kelleher made just eight appearances in the 2021-22 season. Kelleher is under contract at Liverpool till 2026 so, a loan departure could be the most likely if he is to find an exit from Anfield.
Stay or Leave: An impending decision for the Irishman
The Republic of Ireland national team has no shortage of talents in the goalkeeping positions. 20-year-old Gavin Bazunu and, 23-year-old Mark Travers, are both excellent goalkeepers in the premier league. Gavin Bazunu has undertaken a move from Manchester City to Southampton. Mark Travers has enjoyed a fantastic performance with Bournemouth last season. He was instrumental in the CHerries gaining promotion to the Premier League this season.
Kelleher has earned eight caps for Ireland in total. FOur of which came due to Bazunu’s injury in the postseason. Moreover, keeping only one clean sheet in four games hasn’t done him any good in taking over Banzunu’s spot as the No.1 choice of goalkeeper. Banzunu’s move to Southampton means Kelleher has got fierce and imminent competition as the first-choice goalkeeper of the Irish National side.
For Kelleher to expand on his eight caps, he has to play football on a regular basis at the club. Moreover, he also needs to show that he can match his younger counterparts evenly across all the departments. This seems like a luxury at Liverpool considering that he is soldered as the number two goalkeeper choice at Anfield after Alisson.
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