Liverpool FC has been home to many iconic goalkeepers, from the legendary Ray Clemence to the indomitable Alisson Becker. However, the reserve goalkeepers, often overshadowed by their first-choice counterparts, have played crucial roles in the club’s journey. We take a closer look at Liverpool’s reserve goalkeepers since 1997, their contributions to the team, and their careers post-Anfield.
1. Brad Friedel (1997-2000)
At Liverpool: Brad Friedel joined Liverpool in 1997 from Columbus Crew. Despite his talent, Friedel was often second-choice to David James and later Sander Westerveld. His highlight at Liverpool was helping the team to a second-place finish in the 1998-99 Premier League season.
Post-Liverpool: After leaving Liverpool, Friedel moved to Blackburn Rovers, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers. He later enjoyed successful stints with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, becoming known for his incredible longevity in top-flight football.
2. Peggy Arphexad (2000-2003)
At Liverpool: Peggy Arphexad was brought in as cover for Sander Westerveld and later Jerzy Dudek. Arphexad’s most notable contributions were in cup competitions, helping Liverpool secure the 2001 FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup treble.
Post-Liverpool: After leaving Liverpool, Arphexad had brief spells with Stockport County, Coventry City, and Notts County before retiring. His post-football career saw him moving into a non-football-related profession.
3. Chris Kirkland (2001-2006)
At Liverpool: Chris Kirkland arrived with high expectations but was plagued by injuries during his time at Anfield. Despite his limited appearances, he was part of the squad that won the 2003 League Cup.
Post-Liverpool: Kirkland moved to Wigan Athletic, where he enjoyed a more stable period. He later played for Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End before retiring. Post-retirement, Kirkland has been involved in coaching and mental health advocacy.
4. Scott Carson (2005-2008)
At Liverpool: Scott Carson joined Liverpool as a promising young talent. Although primarily a backup, he gained valuable experience and even played in the UEFA Champions League during the 2004-05 season, which Liverpool famously won.
Post-Liverpool: Carson had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, and Aston Villa before permanently moving to West Bromwich Albion. He later played for Derby County and Manchester City, where he remains a backup goalkeeper, adding another Premier League winner’s medal to his collection.
5. Charles Itandje (2007-2010)
At Liverpool: Charles Itandje was signed as a backup to Pepe Reina. His most notable moment came in the infamous 2008-09 FA Cup match against Barnsley, where Liverpool suffered a shock defeat. Fans will also never forget his inappropriate behaviour when seen laughing during a Hillsborough memorial.
Post-Liverpool: Itandje moved on to several clubs, including Atromitos and PAOK in Greece, and later represented Cameroon internationally, featuring in the 2014 World Cup.
6. Diego Cavalieri (2008-2010)
At Liverpool: Diego Cavalieri served as Pepe Reina’s understudy, making a few appearances in cup competitions but struggling to displace the consistent Spaniard.
Post-Liverpool: Cavalieri enjoyed success in Brazil with Fluminense, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He later had stints with Crystal Palace and Botafogo.
7. Brad Jones (2010-2015)
At Liverpool: Brad Jones was a reliable backup during a transitional period for Liverpool’s goalkeeping department. He had notable performances, including a crucial role in the 2011-12 FA Cup semi-final against Everton.
Post-Liverpool: Jones revived his career in the Eredivisie with NEC Nijmegen and Feyenoord, winning the Dutch league. He later moved to Saudi Arabia and is currently playing in the Australian A-League.
8. Adam Bogdan (2015-2020)
At Liverpool: Adam Bogdan’s time at Liverpool was marred by high-profile errors and limited opportunities. He was primarily used in cup games and as an emergency backup.
Post-Liverpool: Bogdan had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Hibernian, eventually signing permanently with the latter. His career has since seen a steady presence in the Scottish Premiership.
9. Loris Karius (2016-Present)
At Liverpool: Loris Karius is infamous for his performance in the 2018 Champions League final. Despite a promising start, his errors in that match overshadowed his Liverpool career.
Post-Liverpool: Karius had loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin. He returned to Liverpool but has been unable to reclaim a spot, facing a highly competitive goalkeeping department.
10. Caoimhin Kelleher (2019-Present)
At Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as a reliable deputy to Alisson Becker. His heroics in penalty shootouts, especially in the 2021-22 EFL Cup final, have earned him recognition.
Future Prospects: Kelleher is poised for a bright future, either as a continued understudy at Liverpool or potentially as a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.
Liverpool’s reserve goalkeepers since 1997 have had varied careers, contributing in ways often unseen but crucial nonetheless. From Brad Friedel’s post-Anfield rise to Chris Kirkland’s resilience and Kelleher’s promising future, these players have left indelible marks both at Liverpool and beyond. Their journeys highlight the depth and complexity behind the scenes of one of football’s greatest clubs.
Heart of Football 
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