Jurgen Klopp highlights a key player in Liverpool’s pursuit of three major titles

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised the efforts of Caoimhin Kelleher, crediting the team’s success this season to the goalkeeper.

With injury inflicting Alisson for nearly two months, Kelleher is close to equalising the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper for appearances so far this season. He has made 23 appearances, helping his side win the Carabao Cup, compete for the Premier League title, and reach the final stages of the Europa League.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference before his side host Sheffield United on Thursday night, Klopp didn’t shy away from praising Kelleher’s performances between the sticks.

He said: “If you would have asked me before the season, I think I was never shy of praising Caoimh.

“You can take Ali [Alisson] out for a long spell, it would have been a problem, not because of Caoimh but because he never had to play that many games, so you never know how that will look.

“All these kinds of things, how these boys deal with the situation and the new opportunities is just exceptional. So many players out for a long time, and we are still where we are, that’s pretty special. You cannot expect that.

“I’m absolutely over the moon for the boys that they can prove their point. I was never in doubt about them but they still have to prove it themselves so that’s wonderful. It’s been an absolutely outstanding season, without Caoimhin Kelleher in goal there is no chance we’d be in this position.”

Liverpool are expected to welcome Alisson back to the squad in April, as pressure ramps up and the season draws to a close. The Reds will be offered the chance to climb back to the top of the Premier League table if they are to beat the Blades at Anfield, after Arsenal’s victory over Luton Town saw them switch places on Wednesday night.