Caoimhin Kelleher shining for club and country amplifies speculation on his future

There is no denying that Liverpool have had one of the best keepers in the world going for them in recent months. He has made crucial saves when called upon, commands the air and has helped the Reds continue their strong start.

I am of course talking about Caoimhin Kelleher. The Republic of Ireland international has done more than a serviceable job filling in for the injured Alisson as the club has seemingly not missed beat.

That is one of the greatest compliments you can give to a player stepping in to fill a World Class void that a player like Alisson leaves behind.

An uncertain Liverpool future

Under Jurgen Klopp, Kelleher was a cup regular as he manned the goal in League Cup and FA Cup action when both keepers were healthy. He was the man in goal for both League Cup triumphs, including last February's shocker over Chelsea with a several Academy youngsters.

Having said that, one would assume he would be entrenched at the club and leadership would do everything they can to convince him his long-term future was at Anfield.

What happened instead? Liverpool completed the signing of Georgian No. 1 Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia with him staying in Spain for this season before coming to England next summer.

One could only assume that would mean the writing is on the wall for Kelleher as there would be no way to have 3 keepers all in rotation getting minutes and staying happy. The Irishman has proven his worth at the highest level and there should be numerous Premier League clubs vying for his services.

Yet, Liverpool have been mum on the situation as they understand how important of a player he has been for them and is right now during the absence of Alisson.

Kelleher can shine for a multitude of clubs

Watching Caoimhin make a crucial penalty save earlier this week to preserve a UEFA Nations League win for his country was yet another reminder of what he can do in the highest of pressure moments.

He plays with such a calm demeanor on the pitch that you would rarely know if it was extra time of a cup final or the 15th minute of a league match against Southampton.

This kind of composure is something that not every top keeper in the world has. He has also shown an ability to be an underrated shot-stopper as his reflexes have been tested several times in recent years and he typically rises to the occasion.

While his ball distribution is solid, he truly shines in one-on-one situations and commanding the air on corners and crosses.

Still only 25, which is hard to believe sometimes, Kelleher is just now scratching the surface of how good he can be in this game and his prime should be long and formidable.

However, he will probably need to depart Liverpool to fully maximize his prime years getting as much game time as he can with a club not so stocked in the goalie department. It would be a dream for him to stick around but that's not fair to the player.

He's shown he deserves to be a consistent No. 1 and despite his outstanding performances in Red, it does not appear that will be happening on Merseyside.