Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has lauded former teammate Alisson Becker as the greatest in Premier League history while crediting the Brazilian’s calm demeanor for his own successful rise to becoming a first-choice starter.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has credited his successful transition to Brentford’s first-choice keeper to the years spent shadowing Alisson Becker.
After seven seasons at Anfield, the Irishman moved to London this summer in pursuit of regular football.
Reflecting on his apprenticeship under the Brazilian, Kelleher praised the veteran’s unflappable composure, noting, “I’m lucky myself that, naturally, my personality is laidback, but you look at him as well, he doesn’t react.”
Beyond temperament, Kelleher insists his former mentor represents the gold standard of the modern era.
While Alisson recently celebrated Liverpool’s 20th league title, Kelleher is carving his own path at Brentford, though he remains vocal about the Brazilian’s unparalleled skillset.
“He was incredible. For me, I think he’s the best to ever be in the Premier League,” Kelleher stated, adding that while goalkeepers usually have specific strengths, Alisson “is amazing at everything.”
Now thriving with the Bees, Kelleher admitted that being a permanent starter has shifted his psychological approach to the game.
While he valued his time deputising at Liverpool, he noted the difficulty of knowing his stints in goal had an expiration date whenever Alisson returned.
Embracing his new role, he told the Fozcast podcast, “I love it now. It’s amazing to be playing every game,” highlighting his satisfaction with life as a Premier League starter.