OPINION
The position of back up goalkeeper is a tricky one to fill, because those brought in for that role are taking up a position where they are unlikely to play with any regularity.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, it’s a position they are likely going to have to fill this summer. Current Reds number two Simon Mignolet will probably depart in search of first-team football, leaving a big hole at Anfield.
The Evening Standard have reported that Jurgen Klopp’s team are looking at Southampton shot-stopper Alex McCarthy to fill the boots of the Belgian, who will be allowed to leave.
Unfortunately, though, the Liverpool Echo have contradicted that, stating that Liverpool will not be making a move for the 6ft 3in England international [Source: Transfermarkt].
Surely they need to reconsider, though. McCarthy would appear to be an ideal solution to what will be a problem position for Klopp should Mignolet depart.
This isn’t a washed-up number two in the latter stages of his career. No, this a quality Premier League ‘keeper who was first-choice for his club until a few months ago.
It’s not as if McCarthy was dropped by Southampton because he was playing poorly, either. He averaged 3.1 shots saved per game for the Saints this season, including two shots a game from inside the penalty area [Source: WhoScored]. That’s not bad at all, is it? Plus, he’d be under much less pressure at Liverpool so would likely be more alert to the shots coming his way because he’d not constantly be bombarded by the opposition.
At 29, McCarthy’s a good age, too. He was Southampton’s Player of the Season the campaign before last, so he is clearly someone who’s in his prime.
Because of that, the Reds have to think again before abandoning their interest in the Englishman – he’d do the business at Anfield.
