'Absolute superstar': Steve MacManaman stunned by Liverpool player who's only made 10 outings this season

Yesterday at 05:15 PM

Liverpool returned to the top of the Champions League table following their 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Arne Slot’s charges took the lead thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the 52nd minute before doubling their tally through Cody Gakpo’s 77th-minute header.

Liverpool opened the scoring when Mac Allister played a one-two with Conor Bradley on the edge of the Real area, which created space for the Liverpool midfielder to fire past Thibaut Courtois.

Then, Gakpo made it 2-0 midway through the second half with an unmarked bullet header following Andrew Robertson’s delivery after a one-two with Curtis Jones.

Although Mac Allister and Gakpo were in the spotlight as they got the goals for Liverpool, the Reds had plenty of heroes in their ranks.

For instance, Caoimhin Kelleher kept Liverpool a goal up when he saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the 61st minute of the game.

Robertson gave a penalty away on the hour and Mbappe stepped up, but Kelleher guessed the right way and thwarted the Real Madrid star.

Kelleher’s save prompted Liverpool cult hero Steve McManaman to sing the Republic of Ireland international’s praises.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher deemed an ‘absolute superstar’

McManaman believes Kelleher is an “absolute superstar in his own right” as opposed to merely being one of the best second-choice keepers in the league.

He said on TNT Sports, as transcribed by BBC Sport: “Kelleher is doing fantastic. Every time he is called upon, he stands up.

“He is an absolute superstar in his own right. He is not a number two. He is an equal number one. He is fantastic.”

When Liverpool are next in action

Liverpool will be up against Manchester City in a huge battle between the Premier League leaders and the reigning champions at Anfield this weekend.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 4pm on Sunday 1 December.