Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher kept a clean sheet as the Reds earned a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday (9 November) at Anfield.
With this victory, the Reds extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table (they are also leading the Champions League table) by five points.
Liverpool have enjoyed the best defensive record in the league, and Arne Slot was full of praise for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after the game.
Kelleher is the second-choice keeper at the club behind Alisson. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper started in his last six games in all competitions after Alisson got injured against Crystal Palace back in the first week of October.
What the Liverpool manager said about the goalkeeping situation
Slot has made it clear that Alisson will remain as the first-choice keeper once he returns to full fitness.
The Brazilian goalkeeper is expected to return after the November international break, which means Kelleher will be dropped to the bench once again.
“First of all, Alisson needs to become fit,” Slot said, as quoted by Liverpool Echo. “I have always been quite clear, that’s always been the position of Alisson.
“He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit. But first he needs to be fit.
“But Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”
Caoimhin Kelleher could be sold next summer
The 25-year-old has progressed through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has made 55 senior appearances in all competitions.
He is a terrific goalkeeper, and it is highly unfortunate that he has to compete with arguably one of the best keepers in the world for a regular spot in the side.
Kelleher has stated his desire to play regularly, and Liverpool are most likely to let him go next summer.
Liverpool have already agreed a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will move to Anfield next summer.
Alisson, 32, has a few good years left in him, and he has stated his desire to stay at the club. It makes sense for Michael Edwards to keep him beyond the summer and allow Kelleher to pursue his career elsewhere.
In other Liverpool news, the national press goes crazy over one Reds player after what he did v Aston Villa.
