Arne Slot will be delighted by Liverpool star’s performance for Ireland | OneFootball

Liverpool are top of the Premier League table, but pundits remain sceptical about whether they will challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the title race.

Arne Slot has done a fantastic job, winning nine out of 10 games in all competitions and six out of seven in the Premier League, but Liverpool have yet to face tough opposition.

The comfortable 3-0 win away at Manchester United isn’t necessarily a yardstick to judge how good the Reds are. The real test will begin after the international break ends next week.

Slot will be without goalkeeper Alisson for the next game after he picked up a muscle injury against Crystal Palace.

The Reds boss admitted the Brazilian may not be ready for action before the next international break in November, which means they will be without their first-choice keeper during a hectic period.

Luckily for Liverpool, second-choice keeper Caoimhin Kelleher is a top-class goalie in his own right. He has been at the club for a long time and has always delivered in Alisson’s absence.

Liverpool do not suffer when Alisson is sidelined. Kelleher is that reliable.

He started for the Republic of Ireland against Finland last night and did a decent job. The goal he conceded was not his fault, and he made sure his side stayed in the game by nullifying all aerial threats in the box.

Slot will be pleased that Kelleher performed confidently. He needs him to be on top of his game during this crucial phase.

Liverpool face Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa in the Premier League and Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig in the Champions League before the next international break.

The Reds have conceded only two goals in the Premier League this season, which shows how solid they are at the back.

If Alisson remains on the sidelines, Kelleher could play seven crucial games during this period. His form will answer the question of whether the Reds have what it takes to be in the title race.

His performances will also determine whether he will stay at the club next season or if Liverpool allow him to move on.