Kelleher to replace axed Alisson? Expert reacts to 'shock' Liverpool change

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Caoimhin Kelleher is unlikely to replace Alisson in the starting XI at Liverpool under Arne Slot despite suggestions of a shock change.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that, despite increased pressure on his performances, the 32-year-old is set to remain in his starting position.

He went on to explain that Kelleher, 26, is no longer seen as the natural successor to Alisson at Anfield, and could be sidelined as a result.

The impending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summer has pushed the Ireland international out of the club’s long-term plans, and he is not expected to be backed ahead of Alisson despite a dip in form.

This comes amid growing pressure on the Brazilian’s position between the sticks, with the Reds having kept two clean sheets in their last nine league games.

He has also conceded nine of the 15 shots on target he has faced since returning to Arne Slot’s starting XI after recovering from his recent injury.

Kelleher, meanwhile, impressed when called upon to replace his teammate during that spell on the sidelines – but “would have to do a lot” to make his position more permanent.

Caoimhin Kelleher unlikely to replace Alisson in Liverpool XI

Kelleher has been heavily linked to a move away from Anfield in the near future as a result of his drop down the pecking order, with a move to another Premier League side on the cards.

Robinson explained that Slot is not going to rotate his goalkeepers in and out of the side based on changes in form, and insisted the club still have their full faith in Alisson as their number-one goalkeeper.

“They trust Alisson,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world and on his day, the best goalkeeper in the world.

“Arne Slot is not in the habit of changing his goalkeepers in and out.

“Kelleher is an excellent goalkeeper in his own right, but this is where we are with statistics, because their dip in form has coincided with Alisson’s return and more goals being conceded.

“Actually, he’s not playing poorly, he’s still a world-class goalkeeper, and you don’t rotate a player like Alisson just for the sake of it.

“If he’s making mistakes and errors that lead to goals every week, then fair enough, but the results haven’t been the same as earlier in the season so they’re bound to concede more.

“Kelleher is a top goalkeeper, but his time at Liverpool is limited.

“Mamardashvilli is coming in, he’s one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, and Alisson has two, three, four even five years left in him at this level.

“Kelleher is not the natural successor to Alisson at Liverpool any more, and he would have to do a lot coming into the team to reverse that decision.

“When you’ve got a top goalkeeper like Alisson, there’s no issue in my mind whatsoever. It would be a shock if he was dropped.”

In other news, Liverpool and Man United in race to sign Joao Gomes.

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