Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg, but who exaclty is he?
Ragnar is a Red! 🔴 #KlavanToTheKophttps://t.co/mTuyh4kuY4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 20, 2016
I’ve done a bit of research that will hopefully give you a bit more knowledge about the Reds’ newest defender.
30-year-old Klavan is a centre back who has been plying his trade with Bundesliga outfit Augsburg. Augsburg signed him off the back of an impressive spell at AZ Alkmaar in Holland, where he helped win an historic Eredivisie title back in 2009 under the guidance of Louis Van Gaal.
Michael Yokhin covered the defender for the Guardian in 2014 and provided us with this interesting story:
Back in January 2009 Louis van Gaal invited Ragnar Klavan to his office, handed him a pen and a whiteboard and asked him to explain AZ Alkmaar’s tactical system. The Estonian apparently passed the test with flying colours and was duly signed by the coach from Heracles Almelo.
A clever boy then with an obvious football brain. This will be a boost to the Reds. Without sounding too harsh, they did seem to drop their concentration levels at key times last season, which ultimately cost them not only league positions but also a European trophy.
In 2003, he made his debut for the national side and has since racked up an impressive 108 appearances. Not bad going and still only 30-years-old. He has been captain of his national side since 2012.
Klavan has also won the Estonian footballer of Year on three separate occasions; 2012, 2014 and 2015.
Ragnar Klavan has played the majority of his career in the centre of defence. He did, however, start out as a midfielder and his footballing hero is Zinedine Zidane. Hopefully, he won’t be head butting anyone in the chest mind you!
A little factor to remember when looking at this potential signing is that he can also play at left-back and could easily provide cover here, something which Liverpool desperately need.
At 6″ 1′, the defender’s presence will also provide an added boost defending the impending onslaught of aerial balls into the box.
