‘Superhero’ – National media goes crazy over 8/10 Liverpool player after heroic display

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher produced a fantastic performance once again for his country as the Republic of Ireland secured a 1-0 win against Finland in the UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday night. 

The Reds goalkeeper, who has been hailed as “outstanding” by Arne Slot recently, saved a “superb” penalty to earn a precious win for Ireland.

Kelleher dived to his right to keep out Joel Pohjanpalo’s spot-kick, and then, on the rebound, he saved Robin Lod’s shot.

The Irish Daily Mail was full of praise for the 25-year-old Liverpool stopper, and they hailed him as a “superhero”. They have given him an 8/10 rating for his “brilliant” performance.

The newspaper wrote: “Brilliant double save from Joel Pohjanpalo’s spot-kick kept clean sheet intact. Thankful for the post on couple of occasions in first half.”

Kelleher will soon return to the bench

The Reds goalkeeper has always stepped up in the absence of Alisson Becker, and he has done that once again this season.

However, Alisson is set to return to action after the international break from a long-term injury, and it means Kelleher’s first-team run could be over soon.

Kevin Doyle said on RTE: “I think in five or six years he is going to be the top one or two goalkeepers in the world.”

Kelleher has only conceded five goals in his eight games for Slot’s Liverpool side this season, and he is widely regarded as the best back-up keeper in the world.

What does the future hold for Kelleher?

If Alisson stays injury-free for the rest of the season, Kelleher should be getting only a handful of games in domestic cup competitions.

Moreover, Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili will join the club next summer, and Kelleher might drop down the pecking order.

Considering his performance, Kelleher would be undroppable at any other club, but Slot has made it very clear that Alisson will reclaim the starting role when he returns from injury.

Kelleher has expressed his desire to play regularly, and it looks like he will be sold next summer. Liverpool can expect to demand a high transfer fee for him.