Caoimhin Kelleher excelling in Alisson’s absence for Liverpool, says Steve McManaman - 'He’s a superstar'
ByOli Gent
Published 10/11/2024 at 00:06 GMT
TNT Sports expert Steve McManaman has said that Caoimhin Kelleher is a "superstar" after the Irishman produced another superb display in goal for Liverpool. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has stood in since October for first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Kelleher impressed once more in The Reds' 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield.
Highlights: Liverpool move five points clear with Salah-inspired victory over Aston Villa
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports’ Steve McManaman called Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher a “superstar” after the Irish goalkeeper excelled once more in Alisson’s absence.
The Irish shot-stopper has ably deputised in between the sticks for the league-leading Reds, with Alisson, their first-choice No. 1, ruled out with a hamstring injury that he sustained against Crystal Palace in October.
Kelleher was on top form for the Anfield outfit in their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa as well, which saw Arne Slot’s side move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The goalkeeper’s performances have clearly impressed former Red McManaman, who said on TNT Sports that the 25-year-old was a prime example of the strength in depth that Slot has at his disposal.
“Look at the goalkeeper [Kelleher],” McManaman said. “He’s a superstar, isn’t he? Caoimhin Kelleher.
"He played more games last year than Alisson because of injuries, he’s done exactly the same this year. If you have the quality behind you - Trent Alexander-Arnold went off today and Conor Bradley seamlessly comes in - if you’ve got that, great.
“But it’s when you are missing the superstars, the real top players. The ones who score the goals, like Mo [Salah], you need to wrap him in cotton wool because he’s going to score goals all season when he’s fit, because he’s done it for the last seven, eight years."
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Mac Allister says he did not consider Liverpool title 'candidates' at start of season
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‘He’s going to get numbers’ - Mac Allister lauds Salah after another goal
Alexis Mac Allister heaped praise on Liverpool’s electric forward Mohamed Salah, who netted their second following another clinical counter-attack.
“He's so good and so important for this team and for the club,” the Argentine midfielder said.
“He is a legend here so I'm happy for him and when you have him, you know he's going to deliver, he's going to get the numbers.”
Manager Slot is refusing to get carried away despite his side being five points clear at the summit, helped by Manchester City’s shock 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the day - their fourth loss in a row.
"We were happy that after such a difficult period most of our players stayed fit,” Slot said.
“We'll have to wait to see how Trent's doing, but if I have a look at the games that are ahead of us after the international break, they are tough and it's probably going to be a tough season in general.
“Margins are small, now that we have it. I think it was Mikel [Arteta] that said it, but they've had many difficult away games already and played with 10 men, we've had difficult games but it's the Premier League. Many challenges will come for us."
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'Every club in the world' would want Alexander-Arnold amid Real Madrid interest, says McManaman
Video credit: TNT Sports
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