What next for Caoimhin Kelleher? Arne Slot offers update on Liverpool goalkeeper's future after penalty heroics in Real Madrid win

Kelleher has become a standout figure for Liverpool following his stellar performances as Alisson Becker’s understudy. The 26-year-old goalkeeper delivered a moment of brilliance during Liverpool's Champions League victory over Real Madrid, saving Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to preserve a narrow 1-0 lead. This critical intervention not only secured the Reds' perfect record in the competition but also highlighted Kelleher’s immense potential on the European stage.

However, the Irishman’s future remains uncertain, especially with Liverpool securing the services of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgia international goalkeeper from Valencia, who is set to join next summer. This will leave the Reds with three quality keepers in the stable but Kelleher remains adamant that he sees himself as a starter and will not be restricted to a rotational role at Anfield. “I made it clear in the last few years I want to go be a number one and play week in, week out," he warned earlier in the campaign.

Nonetheless, Liverpool manager Slot maintained a measured approach when discussing Kelleher’s role within the team.

“I'm expecting every player to want to be the No.1, not only the goalkeeper, it's up to the player if they accept their role,” Slot told reporters.

"He's accepted his role from the start to now, when he plays and even when he didn't, it's too early to think about next season. I want every player to want to play every season. It would be wrong if he would have come to me and said, 'I like it that I'm on the bench today', it's normal, it's about the attitude if you don't play. That has been outstanding, from Lucho and Macca last Sunday, then they came in really strong, I saw the same with Dominik and Cody, they should have the eagerness to play but if they don't, they have to act in a normal way, and that is what they all do at the moment.”

With Alisson gradually returning to fitness but not yet fully reintegrated into first-team training, Kelleher is expected to feature prominently in Liverpool’s pivotal match against Manchester City this Sunday. The fixture is set to be a defining moment in Liverpool’s season, as Slot’s side currently enjoys an eight-point lead over the reigning champions and a victory at Anfield would extend that gap, further consolidating Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League standings.