Kelleher’s Future as Liverpool’s First-Choice Goalkeeper Amid Alisson’s Return

Alisson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Liverpool’s victory against Crystal Palace on 5 October. The 32-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2018 for £66.8m, has been the club’s primary choice, making 271 appearances and securing both the Champions League and Premier League titles. While Caoimhin Kelleher’s record of four clean sheets in eight matches might typically secure his position at a different club or against another goalkeeper, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has unequivocally stated that this will not be the case. Following Liverpool’s triumph over Aston Villa, a game where 25-year-old Kelleher delivered several fantastic saves, Slot affirmed his stance: “Alisson is – and will be – our first goalkeeper, if he is fit.” He added, “Caoimhin has done outstanding last season and this season again as well, but the moment Alisson will be fit he will be our first goalkeeper.” Nevertheless, Liverpool legend John Aldridge, in his column for the Liverpool Echo, external, expressed a view that the decision should not be as simple as suggested. The former Republic of Ireland striker stated, “Caoimhin Kelleher has been magnificent and I actually think Arne Slot has got a really big decision to make in the next few weeks.” Aldridge continued, “Once Alisson is fit, I don’t think it’s fair that Kelleher gets demoted to the bench.” He further commented, “He has been absolutely first-class. He has been faultless with everything he’s done in the games, and I think [Alisson] will be looking at it and be embarrassed if he went back in because he has done such a good job.” Despite Aldridge’s perspective, Slot’s earlier statements indicate that the decision has already been finalized.