Not Gakpo or Diaz: Xabi Alonso Says 27-pass Liverpool Colossus Was Instrumental in 4-0 Win Over Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso highlighted one Liverpool player for special praise after their 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night, focusing on a performance that may not have drawn the biggest headlines.

Luis Diaz inevitably commanded attention with a second-half hat-trick, while Cody Gakpo contributed another goal as Liverpool surged after halftime to secure an emphatic win.

The Colombian’s last two goals came in the final 10 minutes, ensuring a dominant end to the game. However, even at 2-0, Bayer Leverkusen still maintained some control.

That might have led to a tense finish if not for an impressive double save by Caoimhin Kelleher, who quickly denied Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz in succession.

During his post-match press conference, Alonso pointed to missed opportunities from the typically reliable Victor Boniface, along with Kelleher’s key saves, as potential turning points. These moments, he noted, could have led to a much closer conclusion at Anfield.

The Leverkusen boss rued (via TBR Football): “We were going full gas to try and change the mindset. We had some chances with Boni, a few other chances where Kelleher made good saves. Maybe, at 2-1, something changes.”

Amid the celebration of the dominant final score, the significance of Kelleher’s crucial double save in the late stages could be easily overlooked, but Xabi Alonso made sure it wasn’t.

If either Patrik Schick or Florian Wirtz had managed to beat the goalkeeper at that moment, the atmosphere at Anfield would likely have turned far more tense.

Liverpool’s decision to turn down a late bid from Nottingham Forest in August for the Irishman has been well justified. Kelleher has not only been ready to fill in for the injured Alisson Becker once again, but he also consistently steps up with critical saves during pivotal moments.

Take last Saturday, for instance, when Brighton led 1-0, and Georginio Rutter had a clear chance on goal.

A second goal at that point might have been difficult to overcome, yet the Cork native held his ground and denied the Seagulls forward.

The 25-year-old recorded four saves during the match, while also showing skill in possession, completing 27 of his 34 passes for a 79% success rate, according to Sofascore.

Kelleher’s impact on Liverpool’s latest triumph deserves recognition, and Alonso was certainly right to acknowledge his vital contributions.

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