In the absence of Alisson Becker, Liverpool have a new hero. During the last week or so in Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as an outstanding deputy to the Brazilian.
His heroic performances in recent matches have meant there is an argument to be had that he has been one of Liverpool’s best players over the last week or so.
But it’s not just the 25-year-old Liverpool goalkeeper who is following in suit of Alisson. There’s another Liverpool loanee who is highly regarded by the club, and who is making very good progress at the moment.
Vitezslav Jaros was sent on loan to Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga during the January transfer window. The 22-year-old, who was described as ‘terrific’ by pundits watching his performances at the U21 Euros last summer, spent the first half of the season at Liverpool.
But with Alisson and Kelleher ahead of him in the pecking order, it was clear he needed a change of scenery. In Sturm Graz, Jaros could not have found a better club.
Vitezslav Jaros emulating Alisson
So far, Jaros has played six competitive games for Sturm Graz since his arrival at the club. In those games he has kept three clean-sheets and has conceded three goals – over performing his xG by 0.61.
He has also made some brilliant saves, including a really impressive one vs one situation in Sturm Graz’s 4-0 victory at the weekend.
It was Alisson esque. And that’s not the only way Jaros is emulating the Brazilian goalkeeper. His distribution has been superb so far as well. Out of 95 short passes for Sturm Graz, Jaros has so far completed 94, misplacing just one.
Speaking to One Football, Jaros previously admitted that he joined the club on the advice of Jurgen Klopp. It seems like that advice is paying off now.
“Before I came here I spoke to him about Sturm and he said, “It would definitely be good for you, so go and enjoy it.” Getting first team football is so important, so I was very much open to going on loan,” Jaros said.