Jurgen Klopp has hailed penalty shootout hero Adrian, who arrived at the club only a week or so ago, claiming that he has had an incredible impact at the club already.
In a parallel universe, Simon Mignolet would have been playing for the Reds last night – and for the next few weeks – and Adrian would have made the move to Real Valladolid, as he was going to until Klopp intervened.
In the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea, Adrian got to be the hero as the Reds were victorious on penalties.
According to Balls.ie, Klopp said at the final whistle: “When I spoke to him the first time, it was clear he would take time to get fit. But he has to be fit now and he is.
“He had an incredible game and both goalkeepers made sensational saves, but with Adrian it’s a bit more surprising because it was without pretty much any preparation.
“He has already shown me he is a proper personality in the dressing room as well – he was maybe even louder than I was at half-time. He was really on his toes, and that helps us.
“Making the save from the penalty is the icing on the cake. I saw he even had time to grab his towel before celebrating, so he’s obviously quick in mind! He has helped us a lot and can be really proud what he did tonight.”
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The one thing we knew before Adrian arrived was that he is a character. You have to be in order to play in goal at the top level, but the former West Ham United man came with a reputation for that.
Last night would have been a special moment for him. While everyone wants Alisson back as soon as possible, he did a more than decent job as his replacement, and that will need to continue over the next few weeks as the Brazilian recovers from his injury.