Caoimhin Kelleher from Ireland says Liverpool’s goalkeeping academy is the best place for him to learn his trade.
He is a Cork native and is now second-choice ‘keeper for Anfield behind Alisson. Kelleher said that he is happy to learn from the best.
“We have three goalkeeper coaching coaches who are all exceptional coaches. They really help us and the environment. Alisson, who is one the best goalies of the world, and Adrian as two experienced, senior pros. We also had me and a few young lads coming up out of the academy. There’s a tight connection and it’s great to learn in and improve in, with such experienced coach and goalies too,” Kelleher stated to BBC 5 Live today.
Alisson is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. Just watching him and the techniques he uses, and how calm he is in all circumstances, will make you feel a lot better. His positioning is excellent. He makes saves that others goalkeepers would find difficult, but he makes them look easy. His handling is excellent. He can catch balls that other goalkeepers might miss. If you ever need to talk to him, he’s there for you.
Kelleher says that he is also benefiting from working alongside Claudio Taffarel, a former World Cup winner with Brazil.
“I was not born when he won his World Cup, but I was a goalie and would know the game. When we knew he was coming in, it was a huge boost. He has been really good, trying a different perspective to John. [Achterberg]It’s great to have different ideas and ways of thinking, he is a goalkeeping icon and it’s a pleasure to work with him,” he said.
Kelleher also thought back to his early days in the game, when he was an outfielder who was then converted into a goalkeeper at Cork side Ringhamon Rangers.
“The team I played for lost their goalkeeper. We needed one. I offered to go in and train and it was a great experience.
I won’t pretend that I was unreal. [outfield]But I was at a good standard, where I lived, and I would have been a top player, outfield. I just loved being in goal when it was possible. Kelleher said that while I wouldn’t say that I was immediately really good, I did have a natural talent and it felt natural for me to be in the goal.
