Alisson Becker has long been considered one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. His arrival at Liverpool in 2018 changed the trajectory of the Anfield club. Indeed, within two seasons the Reds had won the Premier League and the Champions League with the Brazilian shot-stopper a key figure.
It’s been nearly two months since Alisson played for Liverpool, though. The 32-year-old is currently sidelined through injury, yet Arne Slot’s team haven’t faltered. Caoimhin Kelleher has deputised magnificently in Alisson’s absence. So magnificently, in fact, that the Irishman might now be Liverpool’s best goalkeeper.
Kelleher’s latest performance saw him save a penalty from Kylian Mbappe in Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid. This came after a series of impressive displays by the Republic of Ireland international who is helping the Reds set the pace at the top of the Premier League table.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alisson Becker of Liverpool ... [+] during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Liverpool FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Anfield on October 02, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Liverpool FC via Getty Images
With Alisson now back in training, Slot will soon face a difficult decision over who to start as his first-choice goalkeeper. Alisson is the more experienced of the pair, but Kelleher might be outperforming his Brazilian mentor in terms of saves. The Irishman is also effective at playing out from the back.
As if it wasn’t enough for Liverpool to boast two of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Giorgi Mamardashvili will arrive at Anfield this summer. The Georgian is widely seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world and is currently on loan at Valencia after joining Liverpool in the summer transfer window. Kelleher will have even more competition.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates with Liverpool's Caoimhin ... [+] Kelleher during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)CameraSport via Getty Images
“I'm expecting every player to want to be the number one, not only the goalkeeper, it's up to the player if they accept their role,” said Slot when asked about the pressure Kelleher is putting on Alisson. “He's accepted his role from the start to now, when he plays and even when he didn't, it's too early to think about next season.”
One way or another, Liverpool is facing a crossroads with its goalkeepers at some point in the near future. Kelleher is far too good to be a second-choice goalkeeper, even for a team as strong as the Reds. The same will be said of Mamardashvili when he pitches up on Merseyside next summer.
Liverpool is growing into title favourites. Slot’s team is at the top of both Premier League and Champions League tables after an extremely impressive start to the 2024/25 season and Kelleher has played an important role in that success. If he doesn’t keep his place in the team now once Alisson is back, he never will.