Liverpool unsung hero deserves more praise for crucial Man City moment that went unnoticed

In post-match discussions following Liverpool’s win over Manchester City, a lot of talk justifiably centred around Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were also picked out for praise.

The fact little was said about Caoimhin Kelleher is both an indication of how well the defence did but also a testament to his quality. Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in five matches, all without Alisson in net, and few have batted an eyelid.

This might well be Kelleher’s final season at Anfield with the no.2 backing up his claim that he is ready to be a no.1 somewhere through his excellent performances. Arne Slot has made it clear Alisson plays when he is fit.

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The scheduled arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer further indicates Slot will indeed grant Kelleher his transfer request. No Liverpool fan would begrudge him a move away.

That he has been stuck behind arguably the world’s best goalkeeper has been both a blessing and a curse; being able to elevate his levels while never being considered a true competitor for the jersey. Yet he has been one of the club's most pivotal players so far this season.

Alisson’s injury woes over the last 12 months have offered Kelleher more game time than planned, but the Irishman has been just as sturdy and just as delightful with his poise and passing. He’s also made some vital stops too.

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe scored three penalties in the 2022 World Cup final but couldn’t find a way past Kelleher from the spot at Anfield last week. He backed up his display at the weekend.

The academy graduate only had to make three saves against Man City on Sunday but one of them was truly vital. Van Dijk’s late mess-up evoked faint memories of Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea in 2014.

Of course, different stages of the season, different opponents and different scorelines. But a captain making an error in a huge game with Liverpool leading a title race is an unwanted scar fans do not care to pick at.

Simon Mignolet could not save Gerrard on that day a decade ago but Kelleher bailed Van Dijk out on Sunday. Liverpool feared the worst when the defender’s skill-gone-wrong inside the final 10 minutes allowed Kevin De Bruyne a one-one-one.

Kelleher smothered the ball and kept the score at 2-0, keeping the ever-dangerous Man City at arm’s length with a two-goal cushion. The ‘keeper’s stop was acknowledged by analysts but has not been reflected on much since, when it really should be.

Why? Well, obviously, one goal would have changed the complexion of the game and but perhaps more pertinently, it may have dented the morale of Van Dijk, who has been so colossal for Liverpool this season. Confidence is a massive part of the defensive game.

The Reds might well still have gone on to win. But keeping Man City out adds to the psychological blow of their 11-point lead over the champions, while bolstering the confidence of Joe Gomez and substitute Jarrel Quansah, who have not played much this season yet were required to be at top gear.

Kelleher’s stop and clean sheet was important in more ways than one. Of course, there is still a long way to go and Liverpool supporters will not be getting carried away with any title celebrations yet.

But if the club do go on to lift the major honours this season, more praise ought to be directed the way of Kelleher than there already is.