Ragnar Klavan is singing Loris Karius’ praises after the German made his competitive debut for Liverpool in the English Football League cup on Tuesday evening.
Karius was a constant in Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures before he broke his hand against Chelsea on the club’s tour of the US. Since then, Simon Mignolet has deputised, quite ably, might I add.
Jürgen Klopp signed Karius from Mainz in the summer to replace Mignolet or provide competent competition, after yet another mistake-filled season from the Belgian.
Klavan, one of four players that Liverpool bought from the Bundesliga in the summer, has praised Karius’ for his display on Tuesday.
“One time he came out really nicely and was there in a one-v-one situation,” the Estonian said, as reported by the Mirror.
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“I knew it already in Bundesliga that he was a really good keeper and was quick to come out.
“We are moving forward as a whole team and as a last line we have to be higher and it is nice when you have a keeper who is able to come out.
“I can only say what he was like in the Bundesliga and what I have seen in training.
“He is good with his feet, he is quick coming out and he is not afraid to come out for high balls, so in my eyes, he is a really good keeper.
“I can also hear him talking to players.”
Mignolet has struggled in the past with his distribution, collection of crosses, communication – really anything other than beside shot stopping. He will be feeling the pressure and will need to perform if selected to keep his place in the team.
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