In terms of what Chelsea have fielded in goal this season, that is, to put it bluntly, a comedy of errors. Phil Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez have tried their utmost to make Chelsea fans appreciate the Kepa Arrizabalaga era (no one actually believed such a thing could happen). If Enzo Maresca wants to build something at Stamford Bridge, he will make his first move by solving the goalkeeping crisis. Liverpool’s second choice (later to be third choice) goalkeeper, Kelleher, enters and he has shown all season he is more than capable of being a No 1. Liverpool fans were sweating while Alisson Becker went down injured, but Kelleher came to the party and kept clean sheets and saved a Kylian Mbappe penalty, and it has been one of the domestic Premier League and Champions League’s best campaigns. Then why is he still on the bench?
Kelleher: Liverpool’s Hidden Gem Ready for the Big Stage
Not only was Kelleher outstanding during Alisson’s injury spell, but his performances were nothing short of brilliant. The 26-year-old showed composure, shot-stopping ability, and skill in the distribution that would have even had the best goalkeepers jealous.
It may come as no surprise to you that Liverpool’s signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia last summer was the last nail in the coffin for Kelleher’s Anfield career. As it is, he’ll also be the third choice next season behind Alisson and Mamardashvili. The kind of thing to do with a Ferrari in the garage while driving a secondhand hatchback.
If not, Newcastle or Chelsea (or whoever) should pluck him while Liverpool won’t have him as their first choice.
Why Chelsea Should Pounce on him
Let’s take Kelleher’s fact on board: his name doesn’t scream ‘superstar signing.’ Alisson has been replaced by him and he has played at an elite level in both the Premier League and Champions League. Kelleher doesn’t make the sorts of mistakes that give his club a heart attack on a weekly basis. He’s 26 and at the time of entering his prime, he could be Chelsea’s long-term number 1. He is unlikely to be a stumbling block for Liverpool if he wants to go.
Chelsea need reliable, not expensive experiments. Thinking of pumping millions of our own money into another unpredictable signing when we have a good one knocking around in Kelleher would be the equivalent of sitting in a restaurant and spending out on a mysterious food when there’s an excellent steak on the menu.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Recommended for you