Alisson is the world's best keeper and is irreplaceable for Liverpool... but 22-year-old rookie Caoihim Kelleher repaid Jurgen Klopp's faith with commanding display on Champions League debut after being preferred to Adrian

  • Alisson Becker could be out for the next fortnight after tweaking his hamstring
  • The goalkeeper missed out on the Liverpool's Champions League clash with Ajax
  • Jurgen Klopp called on rookie keeper Caoimhin Kelleher to step in for Liverpool
  • Alisson should be back for the top-of-the-table clash with Spurs on December 16

Another day, another big injury story. Liverpool's totems have been falling with increasing frequency and there was yet more angst for Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday night.

Alisson Becker, the world's best goalkeeper, joined Liverpool's growing injury list with a tweaked hamstring that is likely to keep him out for the next fortnight. He should be back for the top-of-the-table showdown with Tottenham on December 16 but nobody at Anfield will take that for granted.

Alisson, like Virgil van Dijk, is irreplaceable. Liverpool were forced to negotiate a three-week period in October without the Brazilian and his replacement, Adrian, did little to provide any reassurance to his defenders.

Liverpool's Alisson Becker could be out for the next fortnight after tweaking his hamstring

Liverpool's Alisson Becker could be out for the next fortnight after tweaking his hamstring

Rookie goalkeeper Caoihim Kelleher impressed on his Champions League debut

Rookie goalkeeper Caoihim Kelleher (middle) impressed on his Champions League debut

The 22-year-old (right) won plenty of plaudits in what was a high pressure game to start in

The 22-year-old (right) won plenty of plaudits in what was a high pressure game to start in

When Adrian was last seen in Amsterdam in October, he was jumpy and rash and at one point found himself on the end of a verbal volley from the usually composed Joe Gomez for being too impetuous. It is why Klopp's team selection for the visit of Ajax was so significant.


Klopp is not adverse to giving young players an opportunity but, even still, it was a big show of faith in the ability of Caoihim Kelleher to given the gloves in Alisson's absence. 

This was not a fixture to give someone some experience, this was a night to define Liverpool's European campaign.

Kelleher has always been well regarded by Liverpool's coaching staff, his attitude is outstanding and he has been involved in the squad many times in the last couple of years but this felt like an important night for the young man from Cork. He did not disappoint.

Becker missed out on the Liverpool's Champions League clash with Ajax on Tuesday evening

Becker missed out on the Liverpool's Champions League clash with Ajax on Tuesday evening 

Klopp was indebted to rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher on his Champions League debut

Therefore, Jurgen Klopp called on rookie goalkeeper Kelleher to step in for Liverpool

It would be wrong to say Ajax peppered Liverpool's goal consistently from start to finish but when they got near, they found Kelleher alert and ready to repel the danger, putting out a hand at the right time and keep things settled.

His decision making was sound – the manner in which he dashed out to reclaim a loose ball then bowl it 40 yards to Sadio Mane was particularly impressive – and his saves were just as impressive, denying the same man, Noussair Mazraoui, either side of half-time.

As good as those saves were, they were usurped in the final minutes when he was well positioned and had strong arms to deny the veteran Klass-Jan Huntelaar, whose header was firm and precise, from point blank range.

More than anything, Kelleher was sensible and calm and at a time when Liverpool need that at the back, it may well have secured him a first appearance in the Premier League this weekend against Wolves.

Klopp, more than anyone, will have been encouraged how Kelleher handled the pressure. If he needed any guidance on to how he had done, it arrived at the final whistle when his manager dashed over to him and wrapped him in a bear hug. It had been well-earned.

Alisson should be back in time for the top-of-the-table clash with Tottenham on December 16

Alisson should be back in time for the top-of-the-table clash with Tottenham on December 16