Jurgen Klopp seems to have learnt from his six month spell in the Premier League judging by his quick and recent signing of Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius this week.
Karius is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the world judging by reports from Germany.
Though 22, the former German U-21 goalkeeper was voted the Second Best Bundesliga goalkeeper by his colleagues at the end of this season even though his team Mainz finished a distant 6th having conceded 42 goals in 34 Bundesliga games. Karius finished slightly behind Bayern Munich's goal keeper Manuel Nuer.
Though 22, the former German U-21 goalkeeper was voted the Second Best Bundesliga goalkeeper by his colleagues at the end of this season even though his team Mainz finished a distant 6th having conceded 42 goals in 34 Bundesliga games. Karius finished slightly behind Bayern Munich's goal keeper Manuel Nuer.
Karius is seen as Liverpool's first choice goal keeper next season as the form of Simeon Mignolet hasn't been convincing since his move to Anfield from Sunderland in 2013.
Karius played all 34 league games for Klopp's former club Mainz and has an impressive average save per game of 2.53 which is miles ahead of Mignolet's 1.53. Also the German has higher average punch of 44% compared to Mignolet's 38%. Another area that might have impressed both Klopp and Liverpool to move for the goal keeper is his claim success which stands at an impressive 96% compared to Mignolet's 82%.
Mignolet might not be the only problem of the Anfield side as his defence has been shaky all season with the likes of Sahko and Lovren all struggling defensively in the league. Alberto Moreno has shown glimpses of his talent but his abysmal showing against Sevilla in the Europa League final in Basel has shown that he is has a lot to learn as he was at fault for both first and third goals that cost his team the final. The only good news for Liverpool is the form of Right back Nath Clyne, who has impressed since his move this season.
Mignolet however boasts a better clean sheet than the youngster with his 11 clean sheets in 34 league games toppling Karius' nine in 34 Bundesliga games. Mignolet though has struggled to replicate the form that saw him swap the North East (Sunderland) for Liverpool in 2013. Such has been his inconsistent form that he wasn't named in the Belgium squad to play in the Euro final in France in the summer by coach Marc Wilmots.
Karius on his part is the third choice German keeper for the Euro's behind the likes of Andre Ter-Stegen and Manuel Nuer after making more than 91 league appearances for Mainz and also scoring four goals since turning a professional in 2012. Another positive in the signing of the German is his experience of the English football having played for Manchester City's U-18 and U-21 teams before leaving for Mainz having made no appearance for the senior team .
For £4.7 million , Karius is a bargain signing for the Merseyside in an inflated transfer market that has the release clause of around £70 million for the likes of Thaibut Courtois of Chelsea.
With Karius, Klopp appears to have finally solved the goalkeeping puzzle that has characterised his short spell in the league. Now he has got his hands on player he has so much desired and will hence move his attention to other areas which needs strengthing.
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