Ragnar Klavan might not be having the best of times at Liverpool after joining Jurgen Klopp’s side in the summer. The Estonian hasn’t played all that many games for the Merseyside club and featured last for the side as a substitute in the 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.
The former Augsburg defender joined the English club for £4.2million but there was some good news coming his way. Klavan was awarded the Estonian footballer of the year for the third time in a row, according to reports from the Liverpool Echo.
The 31-year-old wins the award for the fourth time overall in his career and the most expensive Estonian footballer ever topped the poll with 56 votes out of 62. The next target for the defender would be to break or equal the record of goalkeeper Mart Poom, who won the award six times.
Playing time beckons for Klavan
While the Estonian was unhappy with the lack of playing time, he should get to start in a few games for the Reds before the season ends. The 31-year-old’s place has been taken up by Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip in recent times but Klavan should get a chance to show his skills in the EFL Cup match against Leeds United.
There are many injury concerns for the Liverpool manager at the moment and the German might opt and probably will have to play a second string side in the cup. Liverpool have to face Bournemouth in the weekend, which never is an easy tie and keeping players fresh would be important.
The EFL Cup does hold some good memories for Klavan as he scored his first goal for the Reds in the 3-0 win over Derby County. Though appearances have been few and far in between, the Estonian hasn’t really been all that poor in his play and often was the best defender for the side.
Klavan also took part in that crazy 4-3 win at the Emirates and he would be hoping that good showings in the EFL Cup and maybe the FA Cup will help him stake a claim in the starting XI.
Truth be told, Klavan is a good squad player and that could be why Klopp brought him to Liverpool in the first place. A solid no-nonsense defender, Klavan can chip in for a game of two and he has even shown remarkable pace for someone of his age, ensuring attackers cannot outrun him.
The former Augsburg man might just be in for another award should Liverpool win a trophy or two but for now he has to concentrate on his training and the few chances he gets under Klopp.
