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It was a dazzling night for Caoimhin Kelleher for a number of reasons following Liverpool’s all-important 1-0 win against Ajax.
For one thing, it was the 22-year-old’s debut in the Champions League after Kelleher was selected to fill the sticks in the absence of Alisson Becker, who suffered a hamstring injury.
The Irish goalkeeper capped his first European fight with a clean sheet and a vital victory that ensured Liverpool advance from Group D as the winner.
Peter Crouch, a former Liverpool star, was full of admiration for Kelleher’s contribution.
Crouch told BT Sport: “Alisson has had his injury problems. That was a great decision to keep Adrian out today.
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“For him [Kelleher] to get in and play as safe as that. He’s going to get more matches. “
A dream debut
It was a great show of faith from the coach’s perspective to start Kelleher against Ajax considering Adrian was fit and available.
Just three days before his impressive performance at Anfield, Kelleher was involved in the U23 team’s 7-2 loss to Manchester City last Saturday. Talk about a change of fortune in space in 72 hours!
It turned out to be a managerial masterstroke from the Liverpool manager with Kelleher’s skill on the ball as impressive as his shot from point blank range.
He was alert and even in every moment that needed him to be decisive and also impressed with his composure on the ball.
“In this game, we needed Caoimhin’s ability to play soccer and natural playing ability,” Klopp told BT Sport in his post-match interview.
“Of course, he is also a very good plug.
“We made that decision and you never know, everyone is calm the moment they get the information, but there is a difference in being there in the field.”
Kelleher didn’t seem out of place, nor nervous, nor dazed. And judging from the way Klopp and his teammates were quick to overwhelm him, it was a highly appreciated display from their backup goalkeeper.
It truly was a night to remember for Kelleher and a performance that will long endure in Anfield folklore.
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