Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, has been dubbed “world-class” by Pepijn Lijnders, who also acknowledged that the club is “really happy” he is still at Anfield.
Kelleher played four times in the Reds’ League Cup-winning season of 2021–2022, and he is set to start against Leicester in the third round of this season’s competition.
Lijnders praised the Reds’ No. 2 goalie as he anticipated the game on Wednesday night, though he didn’t confirm that this would be the case
He could play for any Premier League team, in my opinion. In his pre-Leicester press conference, Linjders referred to the goalkeeper as just a “world-class goalkeeper.”
He is simply a world-class goalie now; he is no longer a talent, but he needs to play more. He staying with us meant that Jurgen could provide him with perspective, which was extremely nice. We are overjoyed that he is here with us.
“You want the best players at every position, capable of participating in any game. Caoimhin can be added, and little will alter in the game regardless of what occurs.
“He is excellent in one-on-one scenarios. He is composed with his feet. He knows where to bring the ball.
“We are pleased that he is here, and we hope he stays a long time.”
Kelleher has been given several chances to play in domestic cup tournaments while on Merseyside. His contract at Anfield runs through 2026.
The Irishman has made 22 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, with his first coming in a 2-0 League Cup victory away at MK Dons back in September 2019.
Despite being solidly behind Alisson in the pecking order and being the target of rumored interest from several Premier League clubs over the summer, he made the decision to stay at the club.
It is unclear whether the 24-year-old will attract new attention from teams at the end of the current campaign, but he is undoubtedly well regarded at Liverpool despite playing less frequently than he probably should.
