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Jurgen Klopp names the young ‘massive talent’ at Liverpool who’s been doing ‘exceptionally well’

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 12 December 2020 20:15, UK

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has waxed lyrical about Caoimhin Kelleher following his impressive recent efforts for the Reds senior team.

The 22-year-old had only made four first-team appearances for Liverpool prior to his first senior game of the season, and European debut, against Ajax earlier this month.

The Irishman produced a superb display, making numerous saves including two from Noussair Mazraoui and a brilliant stop from Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar in the closing stages.

Kelleher’s efforts were crucial as only one goal separated the two sides, Curtis Jones netting in the 58th minute for a 1-0 win and a spot in the last 16 of the competition as group winners.

He then followed that up with another clean sheet in the 4-0 Premier League win over Wolves and also shone in the 1-1 draw at Midtjylland in their final Champions League Group D game.

In conversation with , Klopp hailed his young charges for stepping up amid an injury crisis and helping the team achieve good results.

“Rhys Williams? From the moment he trained with us, I could see he was a proper talent. Billy Koumetio? Incredible,” said Klopp.

“Caoimhin? It’s certainly given him the opportunity and he’s done exceptionally well.

“We were always sure he was a massive talent but no one can say exactly he will react in a proper, proper game. He looks like a calm person – and he is! But he’s also a very good goalkeeper.”

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Picking Kelleher ahead of Adrian was a bold move from Klopp but it has paid off handsomely, with yet another Liverpool academy graduate establishing himself as a first-team ready rising star.

Although Alisson Becker looks for Sunday’s game at Fulham, Kelleher can be proud of his efforts and is likely to get plenty more game time over the course of the season.