'It's almost cruel' - Jurgen Klopp nickname for Liverpool man does not sit right with ex-Everton defender

Liverpool will return to action next weekend sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League. And a big reason for that is the form of a man who did not even start the season in Arne Slot's team.

Caoimhin Kelleher has once again been exemplary between the posts for Liverpool since taking over from Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined since he picked up a fresh hamstring injury in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on October 5.

Kelleher has played in six matches, keeping three clean sheets, with the Reds winning five of them and drawing the other at title rivals Arsenal to continue their record-breaking start to the campaign under new head coach Slot.

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It is not the first time the Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper has starred in the absence of Alisson. Famously, after he inspired Liverpool's Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in 2022, Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp called Kelleher the "best No.2 goalie in the world."

It's a moniker that has stuck but one that the player himself is not keen on. Kelleher, who made two crucial saves in the 2-0 home win over Aston Villa last Saturday, said earlier this season: "It's not a title I want - I want to be playing week in, week out. At the moment the situation for me is I'll get these opportunities and I need to do well when I get these opportunities and play well, so that is my main focus obviously. Just when I do get that chance, play well.

"It is important I play week in, week out now and get that No.1 position. I have to show everyone I am capable and good enough to play week in, week out. I feel I have the quality to play well whenever I am needed, even if that means I'm not playing a game in a few weeks I can come in and still show my quality and do well. So that's the most important part - to be ready when called upon."

Former Everton and Republic of Ireland Richard Dunne agrees with his compatriot, who has been the subject of serious interest from Nottingham Forest in the past.

Dunne, speaking to Gambling Zone, said: "I think he's fantastic. It's almost cruel to call him the best number two in the world. He's just a very good goalkeeper in his own right. He's unfortunate in the sense that he's up against Alisson, who's one of the best number ones in the world.

"It becomes hard, but I think Kelleher’s done himself huge favours this season, and any time he’s come in for Liverpool or Ireland, he’s looked the part. Liverpool have obviously signed a new keeper for next season.

"If he’s not at Liverpool, I don't think he'd have a problem getting a club. He's impressed everybody with his performances, with how calm he is. He made two saves from corners at the weekend against Villa, which were fantastic. Every time he plays, his reputation enhances.

"I think he's If he does move on from Liverpool, and that would be his own choice, there'll be plenty of clubs who will be willing to take him."

Kelleher may have a big decision to make on his future next summer given the Reds have agreed to sign Georgia international goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £30m from Valencia.

In the short term, the 25-year-old will be keen to keep his place in the Liverpool team. But Slot has admitted that Alisson will regain his spot once he returns to full fitness.

The Reds boss said: “First of all, Alisson needs to become fit. I have always been quite clear, that’s always been the position of Alisson. He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit. But first he needs to be fit.

“But Caoimh has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”