2HT8YJG London, UK. 27th Feb, 2022. Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool celebrates after winning the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27th 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Chesterton/phcimages.com) Credit: PHC Images/Alamy Live News

“Caoimhin Kelleher is the best No. 2 goalie in the world” – Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp branded Caoimhin Kelleher the world’s best backup goalkeeper after the Republic of Ireland star’s penalty shoot-out heroics sealed Liverpool’s Carabao Cup triumph over Chelsea.

Kelleher blasted the decisive spot-kick before Kepa Arrizabalaga fired high over the bar, as Liverpool prevailed 11-10 in a shoot-out of the highest quality.

The 23-year-old’s nerveless spot-kick strike handed Klopp his first domestic cup trophy as Liverpool boss, leaving the German heaping the praise on the Cork native.

Klopp insisted that regular keeper Alisson Becker is the world’s best goalkeeper, before hailing Kelleher as the globe’s top backup option.

Alisson Becker is the best goalie in the world for me,” said Klopp.

“There are other good goalkeepers out there but this goalie is absolutely insane.

“But to be honest for me Caoimhin Kelleher is the best No. 2 goalie in the world as well.

“The game he played tonight was absolutely incredible. I can remember at least two incredible saves, and probably there were more.

“So he proved that the decision to line him up was absolutely right.

“And then in a very spectacular penalty shootout he showed the whole range of his skill set. He finished one off with his really skilled feet. So top class.

“They call it the people’s cup, but the whole journey was a squad journey, and that’s what I love most about it.”