Liverpool tipped to sell Adrian in the summer transfer window
According to ESPN FC (h/t The Express), former Premier League keeper, Shaka Hislop has tipped Jurgen Klopp to sell under-fire goalkeeper, Adrian, in the summer transfer window.
He believes that the Spaniard does not have the mentality to play for the Reds. Adrian has come under fire after his high-profile mistakes against Chelsea in the FA Cup and Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The 33-year-old has had to play a number of games this season given Alisson Becker’s injuries. To his credit, he has performed admirably more often than not and has contributed to Liverpool’s incredible run in the Premier League.
Adrian has come under fire following his mistakes against Chelsea and Atletico Madrid
The Spaniard was thrust into the limelight just days after signing for Liverpool as Alisson went down injured in the Premier League opener against Norwich. Adrian went on to play the club’s next 10 fixtures, nine of which they won. He was the hero at the UEFA Super Cup where he saved Tammy Abraham’s decisive penalty in the shootout.
He has been a rather dependable back-up goalkeeper to have, but his recent performances have seen former West Ham keeper Shaka Hislop question his ability to play for a club of Liverpool’s stature. The Trinidadian questioned Adrian on two points – the player’s mentality, and his ability to meet Liverpool’s standards.
“After the last couple of weeks I can understand if Liverpool are looking elsewhere”
Adrian was the hero in the UEFA Super Cup
Hislop did admit that the Spaniard did well to step up during Alisson’s absence early in the season. However, his recent failings have brought into question his shortcomings.
He declared that Adrian does lack the mentality required to be the No.2 who comes in to perform on a regular basis for Liverpool. Hislop believes that the 33-year-old lacks the ability to perform at the level the Reds require him to. The Trinidadian conceded that Adrian was outstanding at West Ham before going on to add that he looks to be out of place at Liverpool.
“He’s not a number two or he doesn’t have the mentality to play at that level.”
It is debatable if Adrian would have played the number of matches he did had it not been for Alisson’s injury. He was brought in to be the Brazilian’s backup and has done that job with distinction.
The Spaniard is not the world’s best keeper; nowhere close to it, but he is good enough and committed enough to do a job when called upon. Mistakes happen but that does not mean we should forget the role he played in the weeks preceding it.
Adrian has played his part in Liverpool’s Premier League title charge and deserves respect for doing so. He isn’t superhuman and he will be the first to acknowledge that.
