Mo Salah
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward who clinched both the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards last season, has faced mounting scrutiny this season with four goals and two assists from 13 appearances. Despite criticism regarding his defensive work-rate and goal-scoring consistency, former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has highlighted Salah’s exceptional qualities and work ethic.
Caoimhin Kelleher said: “In training, Mohamed Salah was bad for my confidence for the goals he would score. He was just unbelievable. His finishing is a bit different to the usual striker, someone like Jermaine Defoe, who would be quite clinical. Salah’s quality is his timing of knowing when to shoot, where to place it and how to finish it – he can be quite unorthodox, but he’s an incredible man and such a humble guy, especially for someone who is such a big star. He’s the hardest working player, especially in the gym, he’ll be the first one in the building and it would be rare that someone would get in before him.”
Kelleher, who recently transferred to Brentford for a fee up to £18 million, shared insights into Salah’s unique approach to finishing, which he described as unorthodox yet effective. The Irish goalkeeper emphasized Salah’s dedication, noting his consistent presence in the gym and early arrival for training sessions. This work ethic has contributed significantly to Salah’s success on the field, despite the challenges he faces this season.
Kelleher’s move to Brentford marked a new chapter in his career, as he sought more regular playing time. He expressed enthusiasm about joining a club known for developing players, particularly goalkeepers, citing the examples of David Raya and Mark Flekken. Kelleher’s decision was influenced by Brentford’s commitment to making him their number one goalkeeper, offering him the opportunity to play every game and further develop his skills.
Kelleher continued: “They came in quite quickly when the season was done, and they really wanted me. Which itself was a big thing for me for a club to really want me to be their number one. I’m going there to be the number one, I’m going to play every game – that’s not in doubt. Brentford are really good at developing players, to push them on to that next level. Their track record of goalkeepers as well recently has been really good, obviously they’ve had David Raya and Mark Flekken recently who were really good. I was looking at that stuff as well, and it all added up.”
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Kelleher spoke about the influence of Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper. Training alongside Alisson, Kelleher learned the importance of maintaining composure, regardless of the situation on the field. This experience has been invaluable as Kelleher transitions into a starting role at Brentford, where he aims to apply these lessons and continue his growth as a professional goalkeeper.
He added: “I came up to the first team the year he (Alisson) joined – that was my first full season. So, I was lucky that as soon as he came, I was training every day with him. He was incredible. For me, he’s the best. He’s special at everything. He can make amazing saves, and he can also get a load of assists. That [staying calm] is something I’ve learned from him – just watching him. You see he always tries to stay calm. Whatever happens – even if he’s dropped one or whatever – he just carries on. I’m lucky myself – naturally my personality is laid-back. But you look at him and he doesn’t react. If he makes a mistake – he carries on. Stays at level one. Never too high or too low, which is important.”
Kelleher’s testimony underscores the profound impact Salah and Alisson have had on their teammates, both on and off the field. As Kelleher embarks on his journey with Brentford, he carries with him the lessons learned from Liverpool’s stars, aiming to make his mark in the Premier League.
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