Young Liverpool goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek managed to save a penalty from the great Mohamed Salah in training yesterday.
As seen via Liverpool FC on YouTube (1hr 2mins), Mrozek saved Salah’s penalty during the open session at the Singapore National Stadium
With the session winding down, a few of Liverpool’s most accomplished players from 12 yards lined up against the young Polish goalie.
Salah, as the team’s primary taker, went first. But he couldn’t beat the 18-year-old. The Egyptian bent his run deceptively before sending a curling effort towards Mrozek’s top right corner.
The academy ‘keeper was equal to it, though, beating it away. A confidence-boosting moment for Mrozek as he looks to gain experience around the first-team. Well done, Fabian!
Practice makes perfect for Liverpool
Liverpool are one of the best sides around when it comes to penalties. Having won two cup finals via shootouts last season, they know how to deal with the pressure of a spot-kick.
The Reds have done extensive work with neuropathic experts neuro11 in how to remain cool in the face of penalties. Jurgen Klopp credited that work with winning Liverpool the League Cup back in February.
Yesterday in Singapore, you could see that work in plain sight. Yes, Salah missed his first penalty, but in fairness he did return to bury two more past Mrozek.
Also lining up to take shots at the youngster were James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho. From the footage, Firmino took one and scored one, while the other players all took, and scored, two each.
This likely gives an indication of who we can expect to see taking Liverpool’s penalty’s next season. Of course, Salah will take them if he’s on the pitch, but on this evidence, Liverpool have brilliant back-up.
It will have hurt Mo to miss one here, even in training he wants to be the best. But he shouldn’t begrudge Mrozek his moment.
Even if he never gets near the Liverpool first-team in the future, no one can take a penalty save from Salah away from him. And it was on caught camera too!