Liverpool strolled to a 5-1 victory in the Europa League last night, continuing their strong start to the competition with a convincing win over Toulouse. There was also a bit of added Irish interest in the fixture, with Caoimhín Kelleher given the opportunity to start in goal for the third time this season.
Playing in Europe's second-tier club competition is not where Liverpool want to be, but it has given some extra opportunities to the Cork native. Having played second fiddle to Alisson Becker throughout his time at Anfield, the Europa League offers the type of guaranteed playing time that has not really been available to him up to this point in his career.
In saying that, he probably would not have been all that pleased with his performance in this particular fixture.
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Caoimhín Kelleher looks rusty on return to Liverpool team
Coming into the side on the odd occasion having gone a long time without starting can be a difficult task for a goalkeeper, with consistent playing time often the key factor in finding your best form in that position. Caoimhín Kelleher is viewed as one of the best backups in the Premier League, although he did show signs of rust at times against Toulouse.
One example of that came in the opposition's only goal of the night. While Kelleher was left in a difficult spot when facing a one-on-one, he did not really react to the situation, instead staying on his line and allowing the forward to take the shot under very little pressure.
All square at Anfield! 😮
Toulouse with a quick counter to equalise!#LIVTFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/cmYW540nCW— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 26, 2023
The second half provided an even better example.
On this occasion, Caoimhín Kelleher played a very poor pass that went straight to an opposition player, leading to a straightforward goalscoring opportunity. Fortunately for him, he was bailed out by a goal line clearance from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Big let off for Caoimhin Kelleher here.
An awful effort from Suazo who looked like he was aiming at Trent Alexander-Arnold on the line!#LIVTFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/y15hfCTN6p— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 26, 2023
This is not to say that this was an very poor performance from the Ireland international. His passing looked crisp at times, while he also produced a couple of routine saves over the course of the 90 minutes.
However, it is clear that his lack of playing time meant he did find it a bit difficult to grow into the game.
Speaking on Virgin Media, Damien Delaney said that this performance was a prime example of the issues Caoimhín Kelleher will face is he stays at Liverpool as a backup goalkeeper.
🗣 "You can't do stuff like that, it's a moment of panic.
🗣 "He's pushing on in age now, perhaps it's time he gets out to play regular football."
Damien Delaney looks at Caoimhin Kelleher's night as he returned for Liverpool.#LIVTFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/bHWsMPiJ4y— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 26, 2023
He had very little do, but you can't help but think of the mistake. He's a goalkeeper that is getting few chances and he can't make mistakes like the one he did for the one that was taken off the line...
When you're a young goalkeeper trying to make your way in the game, you can't do stuff like that. It's just a moment of panic.
For a goalkeeper that's supposed to be so good with his feet, perhaps have a touch there or there's nothing wrong with getting it out for a throw-in. He just slashes at it and Trent saves his blushes, or that attacker does with the miss...
You can't make those mistakes if you're a goalkeeper at a club like Liverpool if you want to get more minutes and more games. He is pushing on in age now, perhaps it is time to get out and play regular football...
It is difficult (to come in and play sparingly), but you have to do it. He obviously chose to stay there, be no. 2 and accept that he is going to play in cup games.
You can't make those mistakes. He needs to learn quickly that when you are given those chances you have to be flawless, you have to be perfect.
The prospect of Caoimhín Kelleher becoming no.1 at Liverpool remains a remote one, with Alisson Becker among the best goalkeepers in the world and having recently penned a new long-term deal at the club.
Last night's performance was a reminder that it will be difficult for him to improve if he remains at the club. There is certainly quite the contrast to his career in comparison to Ireland teammate Gavin Bazunu, who has made playing time a priority and reaped the benefits of that (despite his own struggle for form at times).
Now 25-years old, Caoimhín Kelleher will have to adopt a similar mindset moving forward if he is to make the most of his obvious potential.
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