Klopp may not reassess who his first choice goalkeeper will be after the international break.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge feels that Simon Mignolet should be the club’s first choice goalkeeper at this moment in time, he wrote in the Liverpool Echo.
Mignolet started the first six games of the Reds’ season, but Loris Karius has been given the opportunity to show what he can do in the last three games following his summer move from Mainz.
Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column: “Loris Karius has been given his chance in the last three games, but on the evidence so far could you say he is better than Simon Mignolet?
“Karius is only a young lad. He’s going to need time and he has looked a bit nervy from what I’ve seen.
“He’s conceded from two corners on the bounce and some of his distribution, which we’ve been led to believe is a strong point, has not exactly been fantastic.
“Klopp said he would assess the goalkeeping situation during the international break having given both players an opportunity.
“And for me, I’d say while Karius could come good one day, Mignolet should be between the sticks at this moment in time.”
It is understandable for any new goalkeeper to look a little nervy when they arrive at a new club, and Karius did not exactly cover himself in glory against Swansea. Many have been led to believe that he comes off his line a lot more, which Mignolet has evidently worked on in the past year.
However, criticism of Karius’s distribution is a little harsh. He looks more composed on the ball than his rival for the gloves, and seems more able to pick out a pass than the Belgian.
The worry is that Liverpool are coming up against sides after the international break that are either big in height or good from set-pieces when they face Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in their next three Premier League games. In those games, whichever goalkeeper plays has to show a willingness to come for the ball and be combative in physical situations.
There are many things to take into account with Karius. Aldridge mentions his age, but he is getting used to a new defence in front of him in a different league, although first impressions do count for a lot.
Klopp does have a big decision to make in terms of managing the confidence of both of his goalkeepers. He clearly wants a high standard from his two stoppers to make things difficult for his team selection, but it has been an uneasy start from Liverpool’s newest recruit.
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