Arne Slot has consistently confirmed his words about goalkeeper Alisson. If the Brazilian is available, he will remain Liverpool’s number 1 and Caoimhin Kelleher can’t do anything about that.

Slot confirmed the pecking order when asked last month whether Kelleher’s form could have an impact on his decision. “I have made it very clear,” he said, “and that has always been Alisson’s position, that he is and will be our first goalkeeper when fit.” There was little doubt where the loyalty of Slot is located.

Now, after a two-month break, Alisson, 32, has returned to full training and will start in their Champions League away game against Girona tonight, according to Slot.

“If you can play with Alisson, who has been so outstanding for this club for so many years, then it’s nice to have him available,” the Liverpool coach said in his pre-match press conference.

“If you look at his replacement (Kelleher), it won’t be easy to do much better. We have two very good goalkeepers, but Alisson has performed so well for so many years and we expect it to continue.”

Alisson has a calming effect for Liverpool and is the first choice goalkeeper due to his consistency and experience. He has made almost 500 appearances for Internacional, Roma and Liverpool since 2013 and has won every major trophy since moving to Anfield.

His dominance in one-on-one situations as well as his composure in possession make him one of the strongest goalkeepers in the world, and it’s easy to see why Slot supports him so strongly, especially with the additional leadership qualities he brings to the table.

Before Liverpool suffered a hamstring injury in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 5, he had conceded just three goals in the eight games in which Alisson had started. The previously rock-solid defense has opened up a bit more in recent weeks, especially away from home, with eight goals conceded on trips to Newcastle, Southampton and Arsenal.

But Alisson’s absence was hardly felt until last week, when Kelleher stepped up as he has done so many times in the past and showed why he deserves his place in the team.

It’s no secret that the 26-year-old Irishman wants to be No. 1, ideally at Liverpool, and apart from a single mistake in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United last week, his form has underlined his ambitions.

Kylian Mbappe’s penalty save in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid was the highlight of a ten-game run that has seen Liverpool remain top of the Champions League table and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League extended their lead to four points in one game against their fiercest rivals Chelsea.

Kelleher made further big saves to save important goals against Manchester City, Aston Villa, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool remained unbeaten in the games he played. He didn’t look out of place either and regularly received praise from Slot, who described his good time as “outstanding”.

He certainly passes the eye test, making more saves per game (3) than Alisson (2.5) in the Premier League this season, perhaps because Liverpool have had more shots on goal in recent weeks.

Other statistics, albeit a small sample size, show Alisson slightly ahead of his rival, with a higher save percentage (88 percent) than Kelleher (71 percent) and better passing accuracy (81 percent) than his understudy (71 percent).

However, these passing numbers only tell half the story, as the following graphics illustrate. Obviously, Kelleher’s distribution makes him the more aggressive of the two goalkeepers, as he plays longer and more ambitious passes forward. Alisson tends to keep the ball moving between centre-backs more often, only completing 14 per cent of ‘long’ passes in open play, compared to 25 per cent for Kelleher. He chooses the moments in which he is ambitious more carefully.

The opponent’s style influences goalkeepers’ decisions and can change from week to week.

Since Slot places a lot of emphasis on building from defense, it’s all about the composure of the goalkeeper and both players being able to do exactly what is asked of them.

The concern lately when it comes to Alisson is how often he picks up injuries. He played just 73 per cent of the Premier League season last season (10 games missed) – his lowest number of minutes played since his move from Roma in 2018 – and has already suffered two setbacks at the start of the 2024/25 season.

What happens further down the road is unclear and leaves Liverpool with a lot to consider.

Alisson has turned down interest in Saudi Arabia two summers in a row and has two years left on his contract and an option for a further year. A big offer at the right time could give the owners pause, especially after spending £35m on Giorgi Mamardashvili, the man who was tipped to be Alisson’s long-term replacement.

Kelleher, on the other hand, will only have one year left in the summer, so it could be time for Liverpool to make as much money as possible.

What is certain is that all three will not be there next season when Mamardashvili’s loan back to Valencia ends and he moves to Anfield – it is also certain that there will be no shortage of suitors for the fall man.

If it is Kelleher who is the most obvious option to leave unless circumstances change, it could be a decision Liverpool will regret for a long time. He has also proven his skills this season.

(Top photo: Alisson and Kelleher, pictured last year; Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)