Why Liverpool must offload Karius and Mignolet to bring in a new backup
Liverpool have vastly improved their transfer activities over the past three seasons. Since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have snapped up a number of Europe’s most sought-after players. The German’s charismatic energy and personality has played a key role in Liverpool landing their top targets, and things are starting to look good for the club.
The Reds have brought in players to strengthen and concurrently eradicate a number of weak links in their squad. As per BBC, Liverpool recently signed Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker for a world-record fee, which was a huge statement of intent from the club.
Liverpool’s goalkeeping issues will be put to rest with Alisson at the helm and Klopp now possesses a team that are capable of fighting on all fronts. After all, the Reds’ most persistent issue over the last few years was the sloppiness and lack of concentration shown by their shot-stoppers.
Mignolet was given enough time to prove himself and yet the Belgian continued to disappoint. As a result, Klopp signed a replacement in Loris Karius, who had then emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. The German was initially in and out of the squad until Mignolet displayed an improvement in his performances.
But the Belgian once again succumbed to his frailties which saw the German take his place between the sticks in January. Karius was arguably impressive over the last few weeks of the season, racking up a total of 10 clean sheets in 19 appearances.
Up until that time, the German did not make a single error that led to direct goals. But he stunningly collapsed in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, as his 2 errors led to Liverpool failing to beat the eventual European champions.
Granted, he was impressive in the league but being unable to show up on a day when it matters the most is starting to become a recurring pattern at Liverpool.
The Reds cannot afford individual slip-ups if they are to win the title. Though often underrated, goalkeepers are one of the most vital players in the game. They have the responsibility of deciding games and Liverpool have certainly snapped up one of the best in Alisson Becker.
Read more: Enough is enough – Why Jurgen Klopp must offload this creative Liverpool winger
However, Liverpool should also aim to bring in a new backup for the Brazilian as both Karius and Mignolet are far too inconsistent and fragile in the goal. What Liverpool need is a dominant and commanding presence who can act as a backup. They need someone who can make the box his own personal territory.
To that end, Alisson will certainly come good but having a quality goalkeeper to back him up is absolutely vital at this point.
