Caoimhin Kelleher arguably has the highest stock of any goalkeeper in the Premier League right now, something which has given Liverpool boss Arne Slot a lot to consider going into a busy December period.
Kelleher only had to make one key intervention in Liverpool's recent defeat of Manchester City, off the back of what was a sloppy mistake from Virgin Van Dijk in the 83rd minute.
The defender gifted Kevin De Bruyne the ball, with only the Liverpool goalkeeper standing between him and the open net. The Irishman once again proved Liverpool's hero, catching the ball between his legs to preserve what was a 2-0 lead.
His contribution came back off his penalty-saving heroics in their Champions League win against Real Madrid last Wednesday, with first-choice net-minder Alisson Becker still sidelined with a hamstring issue.
The Irishman has more than filled the void left by Alisson, starring in impressive wins against Chelsea; RB Leipzig, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa and Southampton while also claiming a valuable point away to Arsenal.
The Cork native's form has led to a clamour from former footballers and fans alike for him to retain his place in the starting XI irrespective of Alisson's availability.
However, Slot's comments in November seemed to ensure that Alisson - widely regarded to be The Reds' greatest ever goalkeeper - would be reintroduced as soon as he is fit and able to play.
"Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper," Slot stated.
Arne Slot in no rush to drop Caoimhin Kelleher
The Dutchman has reiterated the fact that Alisson will be reintroduced, however he has somewhat changed his tune with Kelleher 'doing too well', as he put it.
It had been feared by Irish soccer fans that Kelleher would be replaced after the recent international break, however he is set to remain first-choice for the next few weeks.
Liverpool will now wait until Alisson is '100% fit', as opposed to reintroducing him at the first opportunity according to the Liverpool boss.
I think I have been clear a few weeks ago about what my position is about our goalkeepers," Slot said.
"But we are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimhín is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50% (fitness) and that would not be good for Alisson and not be good for the team.
"He's getting there. It might take a few more extra days but he’s getting closer and closer and like I’ve always said the end phase of rehab is always the period where you feel like, 'OK, is he really there or does he need a few extra days?’
"But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are."
While it is unfortunate for Kelleher that Alisson will ultimately be restored to his former role, it is an endorsement of the 26-year-old's flying form that they are in no rush to reintroduce Alisson right away.
With Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also acquired during the summer and sent back out on loan, it's clear that Kelleher's long-term prospects of first-team football at Anfield are questionable at best but he will have no shortage of suitors if he is to depart in the summer.
The big games continue to come for Kelleher, with Liverpool due to play away to Newcastle on Wednesday night before traveling to Goodison Park for the final time to battle Everton in the Merseyside derby.
