Caoimhín Kelleher made his UEFA Champions League debut for Liverpool against Ajax on Tuesday evening.
The young Irishman hardly put a foot wrong as he kept a clean sheet in a commanding performance.
Based on the shots on target he faced against Ajax, Caoimhín Kelleher would have been expected to concede at least one goal.
Instead, he made four saves and kept a #UCL clean sheet. 👏 pic.twitter.com/EaVc2JtLfD
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 1, 2020
Being a goalkeeper is perhaps the most precarious of positions, one with little margin for error, and being the goalkeeper of a top Premier League club like Liverpool even more so. Kelleher, however, seemed unfazed.
Unawed by the occasion, Kelleher played with a composure that belied his inexperience at the most elite level of competitive football.
He was assured on the ball, tidy with his distribution, and superb in his shot-stopping. The 22-year old could be the latest installment in a recent series of special graduates from the Liverpool academy.
The goal that beat Ajax on Tuesday was scored by Curtis Jones and supplied by a Neco Williams cross, made in Merseyside.
Curtis Jones has scored his first #UCL goal for Liverpool.
A memorable moment for the 19-year old. pic.twitter.com/Nebmve3bO0
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 1, 2020
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s prowess at right-back has been a key cog in the Liverpool machine over the past few seasons and Curtis Jones possesses flair, swagger, and a knack for scoring goals from midfield reminiscent of a young Steven Gerrard.
Add the potential talents of young Caoimhín Kelleher and perhaps Jürgen Klopp has struck gold in Merseyside yet again.
Given Liverpool’s lack of luck with injuries this season, perhaps now is the best time for these talents to break into the side and establish themselves as top-level footballers.
So far, the young lads have grabbed their opportunities with both hands, and Liverpool fans will certainly hope that they can achieve continued excellence in the coming seasons.
