Liverpool’s 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night offered no shortage of highlights, with Luis Diaz stealing much of the spotlight by scoring a second-half hat-trick.
Liverpool emerged from the contest with a comfortable win. However, amid all the action, a crucial contribution from an unsung hero didn’t go unnoticed by Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s manager.
In a post-match interview, Alonso took a moment to acknowledge Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, for a pivotal moment that may have flown under the radar. With the score still 2-0 late in the game, Leverkusen pushed forward in a desperate attempt to turn things around. They were met with determined resistance, and the Irish shot-stopper’s swift double save kept Liverpool’s two-goal advantage intact. As Alonso pointed out, it was a sequence that could have changed the game’s momentum had Kelleher not reacted as effectively as he did.
Alonso was clear on how important that moment was.
“We were going full gas to try and change the mindset. We had some chances with Boni [Victor Boniface], a few other chances where Kelleher made good saves. Maybe, at 2-1, something changes,”
He reflected, hinting at the alternative path the game could have taken. Indeed, had either Patrik Schick or Florian Wirtz beaten Kelleher at that critical juncture, Liverpool might have faced a far more anxious closing period at Anfield.
The Liverpool keeper’s quick reactions were crucial in thwarting Leverkusen’s efforts, and Alonso’s comments underscored that it wasn’t just the attackers who made an impact in this game. Kelleher’s ability to make decisive saves, even while filling in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, speaks volumes about his growing value to Liverpool.
This isn’t the first time Kelleher has come through when it counted. Liverpool’s decision to turn down a late transfer bid from Nottingham Forest for the 25-year-old now looks even more justified. His performances have shown that he’s more than just a reliable backup; he’s a dependable presence who can step up in big moments. In last Saturday’s match against Brighton, Kelleher kept Liverpool in the game when they were trailing 1-0, blocking a one-on-one attempt from Georginio Rutter that, if converted, could have put Liverpool in a difficult position.
The game against Leverkusen saw Kelleher make four saves in total, while also proving composed in possession with a 79% pass accuracy (completing 27 of 34 passes). These stats further illustrate how well-rounded his game has become and how he’s more than just a shot-stopper. His distribution and decision-making under pressure offer Liverpool a calm and reliable option in goal, especially when Alisson isn’t available.
Alonso’s praise for Kelleher serves as a reminder that even in a high-scoring game, defensive contributions can be game-changers. Diaz and Gakpo might have provided the final, dazzling touches to the scoreboard, but without Kelleher’s resilience and focus, the closing minutes could have looked much different. It’s this balance of attacking prowess and defensive reliability that has been Liverpool’s strength in recent years, and Kelleher’s role within that setup should not be overlooked. Alonso, clearly recognizing this, was right to spotlight the young keeper’s importance to Liverpool’s success.
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