Behind the Giant: Kelleher's Future, Liverpool's Conundrum

It’s a peculiar, somewhat bittersweet truth in football, isn’t it? To be exceptionally good, a true talent in your own right, yet find yourself perpetually standing in the gargantuan shadow of another, equally brilliant individual. And for Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s often unsung hero between the sticks, this has been his reality for some time now.

You see, when Alisson Becker — quite rightly considered among the very best goalkeepers on the planet — is your direct competition, the path to consistent first-team football becomes less a challenge and more, well, an insurmountable cliff face. Kelleher, honestly, is far too good to be a permanent understudy. We’ve seen it time and again, haven't we? Those cup runs, those crucial saves, particularly his almost heroic turn in the 2022 Carabao Cup final. He wasn't just filling in; he was performing at a level that demanded attention, a level that screamed, “I am a number one.”

This past season, perhaps more than any other, has really underscored the dilemma. Kelleher stepped up admirably when Alisson was sidelined, pulling off saves that kept Liverpool’s quadruple dreams alive for as long as they were. His distribution, his shot-stopping, that calm, unruffled demeanor under pressure – it all points to a keeper ready for the big stage, week in, week out. And yet, when Alisson returned, back to the bench he went.

For a player of his calibre, and indeed, his age, this isn't sustainable for much longer. Kelleher, a Republic of Ireland international, needs minutes, consistent minutes, to truly develop and cement his place on the international scene. You can almost feel the ambition simmering beneath the surface; it’s natural, it’s healthy. No professional wants to simply watch from the sidelines, no matter how prestigious the club or how great the teammate in front of them.

Then there’s the club’s perspective, of course. Liverpool, for all their emotional ties, are a business. Kelleher represents a significant asset, a homegrown talent who, if he were to move on, would command a respectable transfer fee – perhaps in the region of £20-25 million, some whisper. That’s a considerable sum, money that could be reinvested elsewhere in Arne Slot’s nascent squad. It’s a tough decision, yes, parting with a player of his loyalty and quality, but one the club might very well have to consider.

And with Jurgen Klopp now having departed, making way for Arne Slot, the landscape at Anfield is shifting. While the goalkeeping department might seem relatively stable, a new manager often brings a fresh perspective, a different set of priorities. Will Slot see Kelleher as an indispensable part of his plans, even as a backup? Or will he recognise the value in allowing Kelleher to pursue his ambition, while bringing in a new understudy, perhaps someone younger, less established, and therefore, content with a rotational role?

In truth, the writing has been on the wall for a while. Kelleher's future at Liverpool, once a given as the heir apparent to Alisson, feels less and less certain with each passing transfer window. It’s a testament to his quality that this conversation is even happening, a reflection of a player outgrowing his current role. The time for a definitive choice, it seems, is rapidly approaching – a crossroads for both Kelleher and Liverpool, and honestly, it’s going to be a fascinating, if somewhat emotional, journey to watch unfold.