Danny Mills has admitted it will be harsh on Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian if he is dropped to be replaced by the returning Alisson Becker.
The Sky Sports’ pundit heaped praise on the Spaniard for his performances during the absence of Alisson, after he made numerous vital saves to keep the Reds in some games at the beginning of the Premier League season.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has said that Alisson will be back for the game against Man United later this month. [Liverpool Echo]
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Football Centre (02/10 11:21 am), Mills did suggest that the former West Ham man has to expect to be back on the bench, given the quality of the Brazilian international, Alisson.
“He’s been exceptional,” he said.
“He’s made some real vital saves at times.”
“All credit to him, he’s worked obviously very, very hard in training, been given his opportunity.”
“Is it harsh that he drops out? A little, but I think you have to expect that.”
Adrian has kept a couple of clean-sheets in his six Premier League starts and also helped secure the UEFA Super Cup in the penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea.
OPINION
There is no hiding the fact that Adrian has been in great form in between the sticks for the Reds when deputising for the injured Alisson. The Spaniard has made a countless number of saves and has earned his side points at certain times of this season. The 32-year-old probably wasn’t expecting much playing time when joining the Reds, but he will definitely not want to return to the bench after playing so well in the opening two months of the season. Mills is spot on, it will be harsh on Adrian, but the truth is, Alisson is always guaranteed to start when available, no matter what. The Brazilian is the best goalkeeper on the planet, having won the UEFA Men’s best keeper award, and picking up the Golden Glove award in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Copa America. Adrian will now most likely have to wait until cup competitions to feature for the Reds again, but Jurgen Klopp will be massively grateful for the part he has played so far this season.
