After learning that Liverpool’s rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher set a stunning record in the Carabao Cup victory over Derby, Jurgen Klopp simply said, “Wow.”
Caoimhin Kelleher, a Liverpool youth, broke a spectacular record in his side’s dramatic Carabao Cup penalty shootout triumph over Derby on Wednesday night, becoming the first Reds goalie to win four shootouts.
Jurgen Klopp just said “Wow” after learning of the feat at his post-third-round press conference.
Kelleher already held the record for most shoot-out victories in a Liverpool shirt, with his first coming in the Reds’ Carabao Cup fourth-round victory against Arsenal in 2019. The match ended 5-5, with the Anfield giants winning 5-4 on penalties.
Kelleher next won a penalty shoot-out in the Carabao Cup semi-final last season when Liverpool overcame Leicester City before the Corkman was called into action again in the final at Wembley.
After a tight game with Chelsea, a total of 22 penalties were taken to separate the sides, with Kelleher standing guard as Blues keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga fired his spot-kick into the stands.
Jurgen Klopp selected his trusty shot-stopper – a man he has previously labeled the best No 2 in the world behind ultimate No 1 Alisson – for the visit of Derby this Wednesday.
And it’s safe to say the Irishman didn’t let him down, saving three of the five penalties he faced in the shoot-out after a goalless draw on the night.
In winning his fourth shoot-out for Liverpool, Kelleher has bettered his already impressive record after only 18 appearances in a Reds shirt. What’s more, the keeper is only 23.
Klopp was quick to bestow praise on Kelleher following Wednesday’s win, stating that he believes the keeper is the best No 2 in the world.
In a broader sense, he continued, “Great students coming up, top performances.” Finally, Caoimhin Kelleher saves us in spectacular fashion.
“I really enjoyed the game. The most difficult thing is to put together a collection of players who have never played together before to face a deep defending team.”
