Brighton’s brilliant January continued this weekend, with a second win over Liverpool within a month – to end the Reds’ FA Cup title defense – and maintain their unbeaten start to 2023.
The zip and positivity of Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls contrasted with a Liverpool side stuck in a slump, with Jurgen Klopp short on answers.
That sense of freshness vs staleness was mirrored by the eye-catching Irish interest in this contest, with Evan Ferguson turning in another bright and bustling performance, as Caoimhín Kelleher spent another afternoon on the bench.
Ferguson’s day was ultimately dominated by a late injury, caused by Fabinho’s hack at the 18-year-old, with De Zerbi admitting his concern at full time, as incoming tests will determine the extent of the issue.
The concern over a possible lay off for Ferguson underlines both his outrageous progress and his immediate importance to Ireland.
As he continues to command a regular place, Irish expectation will grow, with ripples not seen since a tricky teenager from Tallaght (don’t mention the name) cartwheeled his way to Inter Milan, via Wolves and Coventry, in the late 90’s.
Hype, expectation and belief are the buzz words floating around Ferguson’s impressive line leading at the AMEX Stadium, with the ‘real deal’ tag fitting neatly around his neck.
His self-confidence as a Premier League player, allied to a raw physicality and intelligent movement on both sides of the defensive line, have drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney tearing up the script at Goodison Park in 2002.
The door of opportunity opened at a perfect point for Ferguson and a spell on the sidelines will not dent that.
Neal Maupay’s exit, Danny Welbeck’s injury issues and the need for ensuring a regular flow of Premier League goals, could have tipped De Zerbi to ask Brighton’s scouting wizards to produce another gem.
However, belief is a two-way street in football, and Ferguson has repaid De Zerbi’s.
Debate over Ferguson’s worthiness to start against France in Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualification curtain raiser in March will rage on, as fans balance delight against stoic reasoning, but the man from Meath has more than made his case.
Similar to De Zerbi’s confidence-fuelling approach with Ferguson, Klopp’s hailing of Kelleher ensures the Corkman retains cult status when called upon for Liverpool.
Kelleher’s place in the affections of Liverpool fans and Klopp is unquestioned, with the German coining the nickname of ‘Caoimh’ for his deputy stopper.
The 24-year-old is a fan favorite at Anfield, as their undisputed penalty shootout king, but the arc of his trajectory remains unmeasured.
Despite Klopp’s positivity, and the assurance of his role as Alisson’s understudy, his future can no longer be put on the long finger.
After starting the FA Cup Third Round replay win over Wolves, Kelleher was entitled to expect a start this weekend, but Klopp reverted to type and recalled Alisson.
The doors have never opened fully for Kelleher, as they have for Ferguson, and there is a very real chance of him not featuring again for Liverpool this season.
Klopp and Kelleher have agreed there is no rush to decide his next step, with goalkeepers able to extend their prime years, but the pair know the pause button cannot be held down permanently.
This summer will be a crunch point, as Liverpool rebuild their creaking squad, and Kelleher rolls his dice.
Widespread reports in the UK claim selling Kelleher, plus others, will fund Liverpool’s drive for Jude Bellingham, and there is solid truth in that.
Klopp knows Liverpool are seeing the doors slide shut on their own ability to challenge the superpowers, without major new investment, and Kelleher could be collateral damage in that.
The mutual respect between Klopp and ‘Caoimh’ affords him the coming months to assess the situation, but the end of his Anfield line is close.
Parallels to Ferguson’s situation are not exact, with the glamor of goalscoring never matched by calm and progressive net thinking, but the luxury of consistent Premier League action has eluded Kelleher for too long.
Comparisons are a risky practice with young players at different forks in the road, and a more direct correlation is that Kelleher is no closer to challenging Gavin Bazunu as Stephen Kenny’s No.1 ahead of France’s visit, whilst Ferguson’s omission (if fit) could trigger a national inquiry.
Southampton’s struggles would have forced many veterans to succumb to frustration, and Bazunu’s sole Premier League clean sheet this season underlines his tough Premier League baptism, but his steel remains sharp.
Differing paths have led Bazunu and Kelleher to their current spot, with Bazunu determined not to miss his chance, backed by his durability for the Saints, as Kelleher opted for caution.
There is no substitute for Premier League experience, and Klopp and Kelleher’s positions remain unchanged.
Just as Bazunu grabbed his chance to fill a rare Premier League No.1 vacancy at Southampton – and Ferguson’s bite and brilliance continues to impress – Kelleher’s choice looks inevitable as he approaches a summer crossroads.