Liverpool have made a lot of progress under manager Jürgen Klopp but if you ask the neutrals and the fans, they’d still point out that the Reds aren’t the most solid defensively. While the back four has seen a few new faces in the past seven months, the goalkeeping area still sees Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius competing with each other.
When Karius was signed last summer, he was touted as the future number 1. However, an underwhelming first season meant Mignolet was often given the duties of guarding the goal. This season, it was the Belgian’s turn to be dropped as his sloppiness resulted in Karius taking the role starting from the game against Manchester City.
While his started off a bit shaky, performances have improved. Yet, there have been rumours surrounding the goalkeeping situation as Liverpool have been linked with a move for AS Roma custodian Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian has had a stellar career at AS Roma and while his shot-stopping abilities are immaculate, his speed off the line and footwork have earned him quite a few plaudits this season. So much so, that he is even ahead of Manchester City custodian Éderson in the Brazilian setup.
Reports by Sky sports reveal Liverpool will have to pay an astounding fee of £62m for Alisson. While a good goalkeeper could save Liverpool at least 10 to 15 points a season, here’s why Liverpool should refrain from spending a world record fee for a goalkeeper…
Liverpool’s goalkeeping issues go beyond the player
Isn’t there a coaching department in place? Both Mignolet and Karius have often committed similar mistakes; they are weak when it comes to punching and aren’t the most comfortable when it comes to near-post shots. So, why wait and spend a record fee on another keeper before you’re convinced it’s not the player’s fault?
This isn’t a personal attack on John Achterberg and co. as Karius’ performances have improved of late, but if he is inconsistent, then maybe it’s time the club looks at how their keepers are coached.
Karius deserves a run of games
Mignolet divided opinion until that Arsenal game after which basically everyone ridiculed him. But until then, he had put in a mixture of good and bad performances, which is why he kept Karius out of the team. In other words, he had a lot of game time.
Last season, Karius got a first-hand experience of the physicality of the league. His performances have improved and with someone as reliable as Virgil van Dijk at the back, the overall coordination at the back will improve if it hasn’t already.
In his time at Mainz, Karius got regular game time and made some jaw-dropping saves, so he deserves a good run of games.