Liverpool secured top spot in their Europa League group last night with a routine 4-0 victory over LASK last night, and while their supporters would have been satisfied with the performance, fans in this part of the world would have been thrilled with the showing from Caoimhín Kelleher.
While the emphatic scoreline would suggest that the Cork man had a quiet night in goal, he was called into action on a few occasions. He made a couple of excellent stops to ensure the Austrian side would not be able to mount an unlikely comeback at Anfield.
Good save from Caoimhin Kelleher!
Been a quiet night for the Corkman but he was excellent here.#UEL pic.twitter.com/7e4Oom1N6p— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 30, 2023
Another good stop from Caoimhin Kelleher!#UEL pic.twitter.com/XB5ELAK0t8
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 30, 2023
Caoimhín Kelleher has received more playing time than usual this season, with Liverpool's presence in the Europa League meaning he has been given the opportunity to start the games in this competition. As well as that, a small injury picked up by Alisson Becker means that he is also set to play in their next couple of Premier League fixtures.
Hopefully his performance last night will give him the confidence to make the most of that opportunity.
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Richard Dunne contrasts Caoimhín Kelleher showing with Andre Onana
Caoimhín Kelleher is highly rated by both Liverpool and Ireland supporters, although he had put in a couple of questionable displays at club level over the last six months or so when it came to his shot-stopping.
However, his showing against LASK was a reminder of the quality he possesses in that area. Had he not been sharp during the period when his team came under a small bit of pressure at the back, the closing period of the game would have been a far more nervy one than it turned out to be.
Speaking on Virgin Media after the game, Richard Dunne said that was quite the contrast to what happened with Andre Onana and Manchester United in their game against Galatasaray the previous night.
Caoimhin Kelleher had a busier second half tonight.
Here's his key moments.#LFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/rwBrrjN7RT— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 30, 2023
He looked very comfortable in what he was doing. He looked well prepared and like he had been training well. His positioning is good, he seems to be in the right place at the right time...
All the way through everything that happened to him, his movement and positions, was really good throughout...
[LASK] had a few opportunities. There was 15 minutes where Liverpool sort of took their eye off the ball a bit. When you have a goalkeeper that makes saves like that, it breeds confidence into your defence.
All of a sudden that panicky 15 minutes, like you see with Man United, the panic doesn't go until they concede and then they attack again. Liverpool sort of shielded it out for 15 minutes, with the help of Caoimhín Kelleher...
When there is no pass on, he will kick it as long as he can up the middle of the pitch. Play football as much as you can, but play it without risk.
That's what he did tonight.
He certainly made the most of his opportunity.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also full of praise for the Irishman after the game.
"We gave Caoimh some opportunities to show he is a good goalie!"
Jurgen Klopp speaking post-match at Anfield.#LFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/xc4KoCLQag— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 30, 2023
We lost rhythm and gave chances away, then Caoimhín, who did not have much to do in the game with his hands but a lot with his feet, he was there. That's good.
That's a positive as well, we gave Caoimhín some opportunities to show that he is a good goalie.
It is widely accepted that Caoimhín Kelleher will need to move on from Liverpool next summer, although he will look to make the most of the opportunities that he is given in the months ahead.
Considering that his side are strong favourites in this competition, his time at Anfield could well culminate with a Europa League final in Dublin. That would be quite the occasion.
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