John Achterberg gives Caoimhin Kelleher verdict

Caoimhin Kelleher can become anything he wants to in terms of being a goalkeeper - that is the verdict of Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.

The young Irish stopper has firmly established himself as the number 2 at Liverpool and he will be pushing hard to try and get Alisson Becker's number 1 spot - though that is some task.

Even so, Kelleher regularly performs well when called upon and Achterberg is full of praise for him, with him telling The Athletic:

“Caoimhin is doing really well. Unbelievable speed and reactions but he’s also calm. He’s learned a lot from working with Ali. He’s become a man now. He could play every game for his national team, no danger.

“He has shown that he can play in the Premier League. At the moment he’s in the right shape and the right mindset. I feel confident that if Ali has an issue and cannot play then we have someone like him to put in. It’s a good feeling for us as coaches to have.

“At some point in the future there could be a time when Caoimhin might decide he wants to be a No 1. I have no doubt about his ability to achieve that.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool have a very good young goalkeeper on their hands in Kelleher and the hope has to be that he will get his chance in the years ahead to really show what he can do at Anfield.

Alisson is a world-class shot-stopper in his own right, though, and so moving him out of the way in the race to be number 1 is going to be some challenge.

Kelleher will relish it, though, and will be looking forward to learning more in the seasons ahead.