5 months ago
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Caoimhin Kelleher feels it is time for him to step up to be first choice goalkeeper, whether that it is at Liverpool or elsewhere.
The 25-year-old has been with the Reds since 2015 and has established himself as a very reliable back-up with the gloves to Alisson Becker.
The Republic of Ireland international has made 47 appearances in all competitions, filling in when the Brazilian is injured and being handed opportunities in cup competitions.
Kelleher has enjoyed more game time than ever this season, making 26 appearances in all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League and six on the way to winning the Carabao Cup.
Alisson is still just 31 years old, though, and the chances of Kelleher replacing him as first choice remain slim, with no suggestion that the Brazil international is set to leave Anfield any time soon.
The Irishman knows that and appears to accept that his desire to play regularly will take him away from Liverpool, despite loving his time with the club.
‘It would be great if that [playing regularly] happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years,’ Kelleher told The Athletic.
‘I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff.
‘Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.’
After Kelleher impressed on Liverpool’s run to the Carabao Cup trophy this season, Jurgen Klopp said: ‘I’m super happy with Kelleher, he’s been super. We have the best goalkeeper in the world, and we have the best no.2 in the world.’
Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already been linked with a new goalkeeper in Justin Bijlow from his former club Feyenoord.
The 26-year-old has been touted as a possible replacement for Kelleher at Liverpool and for Aaron Ramsdale if he leaves Arsenal this summer.
Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbalzone about his future, the Netherlands international said: ‘Would I stay at Feyenoord? You never know, do you? That’s football. You don’t know that.
‘I’m ambitious, I’ve always said that. If the opportunity presents itself and a good club comes from abroad, I am open to it. I’ve always said that.
‘As long as I am under contract with Feyenoord, that is never a punishment and I will give everything as long as I play there.’
Asked specifically about the interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, Bijlow added: ‘Those are two very nice clubs.
‘Of course it is always nice to be mentioned at big clubs. What I’m just saying: I’m ambitious. As long as I play for Feyenoord I will give everything for that and first I just want to focus on the Dutch team.’
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