Do Liverpool need a new goalkeeper in order to mix with the big boys or is Loris Karius good enough?
Ever since the Champions League final and *those* mistakes, the press has gone into overdrive and linked the Reds with every half-decent stopper under the sun.
AS Roma stopper Alisson Bekker has been linked with a move to Anfield, said the Express. Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak is also attracting manager Jurgen Klopp’s attention and could cost £100 million, wrote this report, while Jack Butland could make a Merseyside move – according to this rumour.
But amid all the pen swooshing and chit chat, people are forgetting that Liverpool already have a capable stopper in the squad. Or at least, everyone thought Karius was capable until his performance against Real Madrid.
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Klopp had placed his faith in the former Bundesliga man, a player he signed very early in his Reds career, and it looked like things were coming up roses for the pair.
But that has all been thrown into disarray and it appears as if Karius’ Liverpool career is now over just as it was properly getting going. But the man should be given a second shot at life at the top.
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Despite the brutal nature of high level sport, there is room for sentimentality and allowing players to make mistakes. The only problem with the German’s position is that whenever he makes them, they tend to result in the ball hitting the back of the net. Allowing Karius a second crack of the whip would also signal to the rest of the squad that they have the faith of the manager.
It would show them that everyone is human, that reaching your full potential is a bumpy road and mistakes (which are clearly not encouraged) are within an acceptable margin for error.
Of course, if his campaign had been littered with errors which lost Liverpool points and cost them games then things would be different.
The Fabinho deal is already a signal of the club’s intent this summer, while Nabil Fekir looks sure to join following the conclusion of the World Cup. The Reds finished in fourth last season, but that could have easily been second if a few things went a bit differently.
Two players of the class of those mentioned above will be the difference already. A proper midfield screen will go a long way to securing the defence, while Fekir should replace some of what Philippe Coutinho left behind. There is room to allow players to mature and grow, that breathing space should be used.
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Karius had a good season and goalkeepers mature later. Some faith is in order, spend the money elsewhere or save it and land a big fish next season.