Alisson replaced Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal for a hard-won Champions League battle
Alisson Becker of Liverpool
Alisson Becker of Liverpool acknowledges the fans(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool have made another step towards Champions League knockout football this season with a hard-won victory against Spanish side Girona - but Echo readers in our comments section are wondering if the club are getting their team selections right.
A second-half penalty from Mohamed Salah was enough to secure the victory, making it six wins from six in the new-look Champions League table. Head coach Arne Slot found little to be happy about besides the result, saying: "I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight."
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker returned to the side after recovering from an injury suffered against Crystal Palace in October, which saw understudy Caoimhin Kelleher take his place. Kelleher has made a fine argument for himself as a strong top flight keeper, as Liverpool sit atop the Premier League by four points and with a game in hand.
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Alisson showed little sign that he'd ever been injured against Girona's attackers, making some fine saves to keep Liverpool in control.
But some readers think that Kelleher will feel hard done by, considering the job he's done in Alisson's absence. Commenter Nothingescapesme says: “If I was Kelleher, I would be fuming. He’s done everything asked of him, but is benched as soon as Alisson is fit. I acknowledge that Alisson may be the world’s best, but he hasn’t been missed.”
Reader Lovemedo disagrees: “Aside from the blunder against Newcastle, Kelleher did a great job, making us to forget about Allison. Now, it's 50:50, but every player is expecting that. When the main player is back fully healthy, the sub is going to be back as a sub again regardless of his performances. Allison is showing us again that we don't miss Kelleher.”
Sirbob3times writes: “You can’t leave the world’s best keeper on the bench can you ? I mean everyone knows Alisson is the world's number 1.”
Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez looked short on confidence, squandering chances that would've made for a much more comfortable win. THE5PIAN says: “Sorry Nunez but your time with us is quickly coming to an end. Simply not clinical enough for a top side. Wayward finishing cost us the title last season, we can’t let that happen again.”
Venci writes: “We need a strong centre forward! Nunez cost 85 mil euro, for 3 goals this season! Shame! We need a really class forward this summer. Push for Marmoush, David or Gyokeres!”
Fidelis Fautor agrees: “On Nunez, 'Working hard and falling short at the finish' seems to be the culmination of his Liverpool career. Whether it is lack of confidence or competence, 3 goals in 19 appearances is nowhere near good enough for a striker at any level of the game.”
Darwinism wouldn't point the figure solely at Nunez, however: “Shocked they looked so good. Should have been easier. I don't think Gakpo looked any better than Nunez when he came in for him, Elliott didn't look better than Jones either. Too easy and lazy blaming the usual scapegoats. I think we just didn't defend well as a team., not to our usual standard at least. A win is a win though, champions have off days and win anyway.”
Have your say! Does Caoimhin Kelleher deserve to be a number one choice - at Liverpool or elsewhere? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.