Van Dijk sends message to Caoimhin Kelleher after Liverpool development
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has taken to social media to praise goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after their 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid on Wednesday (November 27).
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo may have got the goals but it could have been a totally different story if it wasn’t for Kelleher, 26.
The Republic of Ireland international was a brick wall in the Liverpool goal, saving Kylian Mbappe’s 61st-minute penalty that would have leveled the scoring.
Saving Mbappe’s penalty may have been the highlight, but his overall game was impressive, ending the match with a 93 per cent pass accuracy rate, making seven recoveries and three saves.
Caoimhin Kelleher making an impression on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
With first-choice ‘keeper Alisson set to return imminently, it remains to be seen whether Arne Slot will stick with Kelleher regardless of his fine performances.
Minutes may be even harder to come by next season after the signing and subsequent loan of Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summer transfer window.
His Liverpool future may be up in the air, but he clearly has the trust of his captain, with Van Dijk, 32, responding to Kelleher’s latest Instagram post.
For now, Kelleher is a key player for Liverpool as they prepare to face champions Man City at Anfield on Sunday (December 1).
A win would take Slot’s side 12 points clear in the race for the Premier League title before Christmas, making them heavy favourites to lift the trophy.
In other news, Mohamed Salah ‘wants three-year contract to stay at Liverpool’ – Top source.
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