Liverpool Legend Urges Caution Over Alisson's Return

Alisson Becker finds himself at a crossroads as he nears a comeback from injury, but Liverpool legend John Aldridge has made it clear that if he regains his starting position immediately, he should feel "embarrassed" for displacing the current number one, Caoimhin Kelleher.

Alisson's Injury and Expected Return

Alisson has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in early October during a match against Crystal Palace. However, with the international break now upon us, he is expected to be back in action soon. Head coach Arne Slot faces a monumental decision: bringing back the Brazilian goalie straight away or allowing Kelleher to hold onto his spot.

Kelleher's Impressive Form

Kelleher, who is set to start for the Irish national team against England this weekend in the UEFA Nations League, has been in stunning form, registering multiple clean sheets and playing a crucial role in Liverpool's recent successes. The team is currently five points ahead of Manchester City, and Kelleher's contributions in the last six weeks have not gone unnoticed.

Aldridge's Perspective

Aldridge argued in his Liverpool Echo column that Kelleher has performed remarkably well, meriting a continued place in the starting lineup. He remarked, “It would be unfair if Kelleher were to be demoted to the bench after proving himself so capable.”

The Dilemma for Slot

The former striker drew parallels to how football traditionally rewards form, suggesting that management should be wary of disrupting a winning formula. “If you have a player, like Kelleher, who is keeping clean sheets, how do you justify putting someone else back in straight away?” he questioned, emphasizing the difficult dilemma facing Slot.

Management's Acknowledgment of Kelleher's Worth

Slot himself had previously indicated that Alisson would reclaim his spot when fit, but acknowledged Kelleher's impressive performances both last season and this season. “Caoimh has done outstanding, and it’s clear that he has proved his worth,” Slot stated, highlighting the balancing act required from management.

Conclusion: The Future of Liverpool's Goalkeeping

As anticipation builds over Alisson’s return, fans are left wondering: Will Slot prioritize Kelleher's recent excellence or revert back to his star goalkeeper? The decision will have ripple effects not only on the team's dynamics but also on the morale of the players involved. As Liverpool continues its push for the title, all eyes will be on Slot's next move—one that could define the confidence and cohesion in the squad as they head into the vital months of the season.