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Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Liverpool, Everton, Republic of Ireland
Alexander Duke
Everton goalkeeper Andy Lonergan has claimed that Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher is the "best young goalkeeper" that he has ever worked with.
Lonergan, 39, played for Liverpool in their Premier League title-winning season alongside Kelleher, and made the claims on the “Yours, Mine, Away Podcast”.
Lonergan did not make an appearance for Liverpool during his time at the club but trained alongside the likes of Kelleher, Adrian and first choice Alisson Becker.
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Lonergan left Liverpool in 2020 to join Stoke City for a season, before moving to Merseyside rivals Everton in 2021.
When talking about Kelleher, Lonergan was full of praise for the young Irish international.
“What a keeper’s he’s gonna be. He’s the best young keeper I’ve ever seen.” He said “He’s brilliant, what a keeper.”
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Lonergan went on to praise Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
“Obviously, technically class. But his power. He could probably stand in the middle of the goal without moving his feet, and dive in the top corner. I’m not exaggerating, he was phenomenal.”
Caoimhin Kelleher may have limited game time at Liverpool, but he’s contributed his fair share of big moments when he’s had the opportunities to step up.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp started Kelleher in the 2022 League Cup Final, where Kelleher scored the penalty which would ultimately be decisive against Chelsea. He also impressed in a League Cup game this season against Derby County, where he saved three penalties to help Liverpool win an important penalty shootout. Kelleher provides healthy competition to Alisson as second choice and is under contract until 2026.
Kelleher is also an established international, with nine appearances for the Republic Of Ireland National Team.