Virgil van Dijk has expressed his unwavering confidence in Caoimhin Kelleher, applauding the collective effort of the Liverpool squad in overcoming injury challenges.
Kelleher showcased his goalkeeping prowess with several outstanding saves during the 4-1 victory against Brentford on Saturday. The Irish goalkeeper seamlessly stepped in for Alisson Becker, who was sidelined due to a muscle issue.
Despite facing setbacks with injuries to Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez before the second half commenced, Jurgen Klopp’s team gracefully navigated the challenges at Gtech Community Stadium.
Kelleher holds the role of Jurgen Klopp’s trusted No.2 and frequently starts in Carabao Cup games for Liverpool. He has racked up 14 appearances for the Reds this season across all competitions.
“I always said that he is a world-class goalkeeper,” Van Dijk said of Kelleher.
“It is very difficult to be a second ’keeper but there is no shame in being second goalkeeper to one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the world.
“He has to step up now and everyone needs a bit of confidence and everyone should give him the confidence that he will do the job. Everyone needs a bit of love from the outside.
“Hopefully Saturday will help him carry on and take that confidence into the next game.”
He added: “We cannot deny that we have had so many injuries and we have lost big players so we have to adapt, but it is also a big credit to the players who have stepped up and taken their chances.
“We need everyone in this whole fight. We are still competing on all fronts and let’s keep this going until the very last moment so we can be successful.
“We cannot take our eye off the ball. We have the quality to punish opponents and we showed that against Brentford.”
Liverpool currently lead the league table with 57 points, maintaining a two-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal. They also find themselves four points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
“Calmness is the most difficult thing to have if you are under a lot of pressure or being rushed. That is the big message. You have to stay calm, however difficult,” Van Dijk added.
“What is the trick of staying calm? It is to enjoy your football. You have to expect difficulties. We play in the Premier League, we play against difficult teams who want to hurt you and want to kick you off from first place. We have to be ready to suffer. We are not a perfect team but we have to keep going.
“[Last season] Arsenal were pushing until the very end, almost. Obviously we have been there [before]. It is a very, very difficult league. You are playing against teams like City or Arsenal who have so much quality so anything can happen.
“You have to win each game that is in front of you and by the looks of things, that will definitely be needed.”
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