Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has expressed his satisfaction with the new signing of central defender Ragnar Klavan.
The Estonia international team captain completed a move to Merseyside from FC Augsburg on Wednesday, signing a long-term deal, and Klopp insists it was Klavan’s performances in the Bundesliga – where the German managed Borussia Dortmund – and most recently against Liverpool in last season’s Europa League campaign that convinced him he was the right man to bolster his defensive ranks.
Klopp told Liverpool’s official website:
“At the end of last season I knew that if we decided to take somebody in this position he was the one I wanted. Now I’m really happy with the options we have got at centre back.
“I’ve seen up close for three seasons how good his performances in Germany have been and last season we got chance to see him against us – and a lot in preparation – for our games against Augsburg.
“The last time he played against us at Dortmund they had 10 men and he defended really well to help them get a clean sheet and a win.”
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It’s fair to say that the right man for the Reds boss was always going to be one a player possesses good attributes in his position, however, one very important quality that football fans in particular may be guilty of overlooking, in favour of class, is a player’s mentality. Although Klopp acknowledges the attributes that Klavan will bring, the German was also quick to acknowledge his positive mentality, insisting the Estonian will bring some fight and a will to win to his side.
“He will bring us really good qualities with his defensive intelligence and ability on the ball and he is a left-footed player so will give us extra balance.
“I know that he is not only a very good player but the type of mentality and person who is coming here to fight and to win.”
Klopp’s take on Klavan’s signing is the latest in a line of positive responses from the ‘Liverpool country’, who are confident the experienced centre-back will be a valuable addition to the Reds line-up.
I’ll be honest, I actually feel good about him as well. Let’s hope that his first Premier League season – which represents the end of a 22 year wait to play in England – proves a fruitful one.