Liverpool have impressed on the whole so far this season, but questions have been raised over their goalkeeping options.
Speaking on Sky Sports Now at 10:10 am on December 5th, former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland defended current Reds stopper Loris Karius after his mistake led to Bournemouth’s winner during their 4-3 defeat at the Vitality Stadium yesterday.
Jürgen Klopp’s men blew a two goal lead against the Cherries, and Karius received heavy criticism for his display between the sticks.
Chris Kirkland during his Liverpool days
Kirkland, who made 45 appearances for Liverpool during a five-year spell with the club, offered support for the Reds number one though, citing the difficulty faced by goalkeepers during the kind of situations that occurred yesterday, when speaking on Sky Sports Now:
“Listen, it’s a mistake, he’ll know that. I always try and put myself in that situation, and I would be disappointed with that goal. But for me, and goalkeepers listening now will probably be the only ones who understand, they are the hardest shots to save. It looks simple, it’s shots like them that are around you, dipping and swerving just in front of you – only goalkeepers will understand the way that ball moves, and they are extremely difficult.”
Liverpool’s Loris Karius
Despite Kirkland’s words of support, there can really be no defence for the German’s performance as a whole.
He arguably should have done better with Bournemouth’s second goal too, and was too easily beaten by a Ryan Fraser strike at his near post.
There is still plenty of time for the 23-year-old to prove himself at Liverpool, however, and Reds fans will be hoping that his confidence hasn’t been too badly affected, as Klopp’s men look to keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s Loris Karius
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