Arne Sloth is set to make a risky decision on the Reds starting line-up: world-class star will be sacked

Liverpool great John Aldridge has called on Arne Slot to cause a major shock to his starting line-up in the coming weeks.

Aldridge scored 63 goals in 104 appearances for Liverpool in the late 1980s, when his efforts helped the Reds win the First Division title, the FA Cup and two Charity Shields during his time at Anfield.

In quotes held Caught offsideAldridge has called on current manager Slot to be ruthless and NOT call Alisson Becker into his starting line-up when the Brazilian is available for selection.

Alisson is close to returning to full fitness after a hamstring injury and is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, goalkeeper currently playing in the game.

But in his absence, a backup stopper Caoimhin Kelleher showed himself to be at an extremely high level. Indeed, the Irishman has kept four goals in eight matches this season, while conceding just five goals.

It is also important to note that the opponents Kelleher faced were of a relatively high level. Kelleher has faced the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa in the Premier League. Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig were his opponents in two Champions League matches, while Liverpool remain unbeaten in the eight matches he has played.

“I think Caoimhin Kelleher was our outstanding player,” Aldridge said. “He has a huge future at the club.

“If Alisson is ready, I still think the manager should stick with Kelleher. Alisson hasn’t done anything wrong and I think he understands the situation. He’ll be thinking, “I can’t get back on this team,” and it’s hard to say that because he’s so good.

“It will be very difficult for Arne to make this decision. We’ll wait and see what happens, but I just think Kelleher should be number one. I’m sure many will disagree with me.

“If you get injured and someone else takes your place and scores goals, you won’t get your place back, no matter who you are.

“That’s why we played with cortisone injections to keep our place! Doesn’t sound very good, but that’s what you had to do. Kelleher was great.”

READ MORE: Key details of each Liverpool first team player’s contract: expiry dates, weekly wages, agents…

What’s next for the ultra-reliable Caoimhin Kelleher?

Aldridge makes a fair point, although it would still be a big shock to him if arguably the best player in the world at his position was NOT called into the starting lineup.

Moreover, Kelleher will not be completely denied opportunities as Liverpool are still in the League Cup and their FA Cup campaign begins in January.

However, one thing is clear: while Kelleher never lets Liverpool down, he doesn’t appear to have a long-term future on Merseyside.

A 25-year-old man repeatedly expressed his desire to be a regular starter and with Alisson in place and Giorgi Mamardashvili on the way in 2025, this is not a scenario that can unfold at Liverpool.

Per SunLiverpool hit £35 million price tag on Kelleher, with significant interest expected in 2025 for a player clearly good enough to start elsewhere.

Latest Liverpool news – Alexander-Arnold, Tchouameni, Klopp

In other news, Fabrizio Romano provides a brief update on Real Madrid’s ongoing pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“They are still developing a strategy for 2025. This will be an important year for Real Madrid. A new center back is expected to join, a new right back is expected to join.” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Remember their obsession Trent Alexander-Arnold. Let’s see if they can reach an agreement with the player. “Liverpool are still trying to extend his contract.”

Elsewhere DefenseCentral Liverpool are planning to hold talks with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during the club’s visit to Anfield for a Champions League match next Wednesday.

The purpose of these negotiations, according to the report, is discuss Aurelien Tchouameni’s transfer to Liverpool.

Finally, Times have been told that former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is being strongly considered replacing Mohamed Salah with Anthony back in 2022.

Anthony was on Ajax’s list at the time and his terrible spell at Old Trafford suggests Liverpool were lucky Klopp didn’t get his way.

Liverpool are no worse off with Kelleher than Alisson