Liverpool back-up goalkeeper Adrian has become one of Luis Diaz’s closest friends at the club since he joined from Porto.
As reported in The Athletic, the Spanish stopper has been giving a lot ‘help and advice’ to Diaz.
Adrian is reportedly one of a number of Spanish and Portuguese speaking players who have helped Diaz to settle in.
According to the report, Adrian is joined by Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino and Thiago who have all ‘gravitated towards’ the Colombian.
Adrian proves his worth
Although Adrian is now Jurgen Klopp’s third-choice goalkeeper, he is still proving his value to the squad.
A few eyebrows were raised when he extended his contract at the end of last season. After Caoimhin Kelleher’s breakthrough last campaign, there appeared to be little chance of the 35-year-old playing many minutes.
So it has transpired this season. Adrian has played just once for The Reds in 2021/22. That came during the Carabao Cup fourth round win away at Preston North End.
The Spaniard was actually excellent that day as Liverpool rode pressure from the hosts to win 2-0. As Liverpool went on to win the trophy, Adrian can claim to have at least contributed there.
Playing an important role
Where Adrian looks to be more influential is in his behaviour and attitude around the training ground. As his social media presence shows, he is an incredibly supportive member of the squad, despite his non-existent playing time.
Adrian also has a wealth of experience he can call upon to help younger members of the squad. There’s no question the exciting talents of Marcelo Pitaluga are benefitting from his exemplary professionalism.
The former West Ham United ‘keeper is unfortunately never going to be able to win round a small section of Liverpool fans. His costly mistakes in The Reds’ Champions League defence in 2019/20 haven’t been forgotten by some.
But the truth is that Adrian was an important deputy for Alisson as Liverpool romped to the league title that season. He is a model professional who is showing exactly why Jurgen Klopp decided to keep him around.
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