Caoimhin Kelleher looks as though he's set for another chance to fill in for the injured Alisson Becker, although the Irishman is only too aware his time in Liverpool's side will be temporary.
With Alisson limping off against Crystal Palace, and looking likely to face another spell on the sidelines, Kelleher will almost certainly step in once again after the international break. The 25-year-old missed the win at Selhurst Park through illness, meaning Vitezslav Jaros had to step in for his Liverpool debut, but Kelleher should reclaim his spot when the Reds return against Chelsea.
Kelleher isn't just any deputy; previously he's shone under Jurgen Klopp's management, earning high praise from the boss who declared him the 'best No. 2 goalie in the world' back in February 2022.
Even Gary Neville might need Liverpool U-turn if Arne Slot request is granted Ryan Gravenberch loved what Wataru Endo did in last minute of Liverpool win vs Crystal PalaceIn the victorious Carabao Cup Final clash with Chelsea, Klopp was brimming with pride: “Alisson Becker is the best goalie in the world for me. There are other good goalkeepers out there but this goalie is absolutely insane.
“But to be honest for me Caoimhin Kelleher is the best No. 2 goalie in the world as well.. The game he played tonight was absolutely incredible. I can remember at least two incredible saves, and probably there were more.
“So he proved that the decision to line him up was absolutely right. And then in a very spectacular penalty shootout he showed the whole range of his skill set. He finished one off with his really skilled feet. So top class.
“They call it the people’s cup, but the whole journey was a squad journey, and that’s what I love most about it.”
In this new era, especially after an admission of the desire to seek higher status - even if elsewhere - only last month, the question loomed over Kelleher's ongoing commitment to the cause. As always, he entered the fray and carried himself superbly in two victories against Bournemouth and West Ham.
But, speaking on his unofficial moniker of 'the best second goalkeeper in the Premier League' with talkSPORT this week, he has freshly renounced this idea.
"It's not a title I want - I want to be playing week in, week out," he said - a task that is currently difficult behind Alisson, and will likely continue to be when Giorgi Mamardashvili eventually joins Liverpool as per the agreement struck with Valencia.
He continued: "At the moment the situation for me is I'll get these opportunities and I need to do well when I get these opportunities and play well, so that is my main focus obviously. Just when I do get that chance, play well.
"It is important I play week in, week out now and get that No.1 position. I have to show everyone I am capable and good enough to play week in, week out. I feel I have the quality to play well when needed, even if that means I'm not playing a game in a few weeks I can come in and still show my quality, so that's the most important part - to be ready when called upon."
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool will be glad they didn't offload Kelleher during the summer now. His future almost certainly lies away from Anfield, but he'll have another big part to play this season for the Reds with Alisson out injured again. He'll walk into most other Premier League clubs next summer, but for now he has the chance to prove he's more than just a No.2.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
