Confidence is a vital trait for successful goalkeepers and Liverpool’s new arrival has it in abundance.
At just 22 years old, Loris Karius has the surprising self-assurance of a veteran stopper and he’s gunning for Simon Mignolet’s spot in the Reds team.
Karius arrived from Mainz on Tuesday night and was quick to make clear that he hadn’t signed to be anyone’s understudy.
“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t make the move, if I thought I was just going to sit on the bench,” Karius answered when asked about whether he could see himself becoming number one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kRWj7LFfFo
“I want to play and I feel like I will be able to do that if I do well in training and pre-season and the pre-season games. I’m confident. I’ve played almost 100 league games in Germany, so I’m young but I’m experienced. I’m not afraid of anything.
“I want to be in goal and play for Liverpool every week. And then win a trophy with the club, that’s what everyone wants. I want to do my part and help.”
Jurgen Klopp’s uncertainty about Mignolet’s abilities in certain areas is what prompted his decision to enter the market for another goalkeeper.
And Karius, who was voted the second best ‘keeper in the Bundesliga last season, has explained the strengths he has that he believes can see him leapfrog his Belgian teammate in the pecking order.
“I think I’m a really confident goalkeeper” he said. “I like to play offensively, helping the defence out and playing with my feet, clearing situations early.
“If I’m far off my line and can clear a situation before it even comes to the goal, I’m confident doing that. I can block balls and I am a good shot-stopper. I try to be really offensive and help my team out a lot.”
