Gavin Bazunu could be worried.
Caoimhin Kelleher saved Liverpool last night from an embarrassing defeat to Lask in their first game of their Europa League campaign.
Jurgen Klopp played what would be considered a much weaker team, with teenagers Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak starting the match, while Ryan Gravenberch made his full debut for the club.
The Premier League side went in at half time 1-0 down and were staring at the possibility of a rather humiliating defeat, but Liverpool were much more dominant in the second half.
Klopp, fans, and Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny were all delighted to see Kelleher put on a brilliant performance in nets.
The cork native looked destined to leave last summer, but he has obviously been promised the opportunity to start the Europa League games this season.
The shot stopper has always played in the Caraboa Cup, and the early stages of the FA Cup, while Alisson played the rest, but with Liverpool not qualifying for the Champions League this season, Kelleher has a chance to rack up much more game time.
Fans were all over social media raising the young keeper after he kept his side in the game: “Caoimhin Kelleher, God bless Ireland.”
“Kelleher really needs to be playing week in, week out man. He’s good enough to be number one at a top club.”
Another Tweeted: ‘Kelleher was class tonight.’
With the Europa League games belonging to Kelleher, you could make the argument that he will be playing enough competitive football to start for the Ireland international team.
Although Gavin Bazunu will get ore games in the Championship, Liverpool’s number two will be playing at a high level, and could just rack up enough minutes to get that starting spot.
While Kelleher was keeping Lask out at one end, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mo Salah all scored to make sure that Liverpool went home all three points.
Related links:
- Wolves target Liverpool and Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher
- Shay Given gives his opinion on where Caoimhin Kelleher should go next
- Shay Given gives his opinion on where Caoimhin Kelleher should go next
