22-year-old Caoimhín Kelleher had a night to remember last night after the young Irish goalkeeper kept a clean sheet on his Champions League debut against Ajax.
Kelleher – who was selected to start over veteran Adrian – repayed his managers confidence with a solid man-of-the-match performance pulling off some great saves in the process.
“Yeah jeez my phone’s been hoppin'” 😂
Caoimhín Kelleher with a night he will never forget 🙌
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/oeHauTigod
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020
The young Cork man from Mahon was greeted with a big hug from manager Jurgen Klopp at full-time as Liverpool progressed out of the group stages and into the last 16.
Liverpool won on the night beating visitors Ajax 1-0 thanks to a goal from another youngster – Curtis Jones – in the 58th minute.
Following the game social media blew up with praise for Kelleher and he was voted man-of-the-match on Liverpool’s official Twitter account.
Pundits couldn’t get enough of the young shot-stopper either with former professionals such as Michael Owen, Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand heaping praise on the Alisson replacement.
“You can’t help but smile!” @themichaelowen
“He’s going to get more games.” @petercrouch
“He produced for Klopp.” @rioferdy5
That was a dream Champions League debut for Caoimhin Kelleher ☘️🔴 pic.twitter.com/6GlW3RHLRx
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020
RTÉ had a lot of good things to say about Kelleher also highlighting his composure and commanding presence in the penalty box.
Caoimhin Kelleher cut a cool, composed and commanding figure on his Champions League debut at Anfield. #LIVAJA #UCL pic.twitter.com/EFcRc9A0m3
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 1, 2020
Jurgen Klopp couldn’t hid his joy at full-time and ran over to congratulate Kelleher for his clean sheet on his Champions League debut.
Liverpool are through to the Champions League knockouts ✅
The Reds top Group D, and Jürgen Klopp gives Caoimhin Kelleher a big bear hug.
A great display from the young keeper 👏 pic.twitter.com/HpP2junkqV
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020