It wasn’t the greatest start to the season for fan favourite Alisson Becker after the goalkeeper picked up a calf strain while taking a goal kick during Liverpool’s 4-1 triumph over the newly promoted Norwich City at Anfield.
Many fans were left worried after the Brazilian international was forced off the pitch 36 minutes into the first-half, with many more Reds also fearing that the £70million goalkeeper would miss out on a vast amount of games for Jurgen Klopp’s champions of Europe (these anxious supporters where then put at ease as the club stated the injury was not as bad as it seemed at the time).
After Simon Mignolet’s departure to Club Brugge for £7million it is now up to newest signing Adrian to produce for the Reds. Having not made a single Premier League appearance since May 2018, Adrian looked comfortable in goal despite conceding to 28 year-old Temmu Pukki in the second-half of Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the season.
Adrian was a shocking and surprising deal for Liverpool in the summer, and with not many people convinced in his abilities I thought I would have my say on why Adrian is more than capable of filling in for Becker when needed.
Experience
Adrian is more than used to Premier League football with more than 127 appearances under his belt with West Ham. The 32-Year old, originally from Betis, was a staple in the West Ham team that finished 7th in the 15/16 season and was even a candidate for Team of the Season that year. Fans who are worried about him being ‘out of his depth’ or ‘lost’ should look on the bright side as our number 13 is more than capable of delivering for a big club such as Liverpool.
Similarities to Alisson and adapting to Klopp’s System
Similar to his counterpart, Adrian is an extremely confident goalkeeper who is willing to rush off his line for the ball. The Spaniard is a keeper that shows his maturity, age and leadership in the way he plays as a loud and eager player that can pick out opportunities from a goal kick and can easily organise a crooked defence into a sturdy and stable one. Adrian is ideal competition for Becker.
Patience
Klopp had to be careful and clever when selecting Mignolet’s replacement this summer as he needed a keeper who had the ability but also has the patience and willingness to play second fiddle for Liverpool yet would be ready when called upon. The German chose the ideal candidate in Adrian, who has been in situations before where he was number 2 and he has often fought for his place in the side. He did this at both Betis and West Ham, the latter in which he fought off England veteran Joe Hart.
In conclusion, Adrian is a player that is a fighter and a player with plenty of talent, someone who Liverpool fans should be hopeful of for the future.
