With Liverpool reportedly having a €70m bid for AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker accepted, the future of Loris Karius looks uncertain, but while nothing is yet official, how do the two leaders of their defence fare on the statistical front?
Clean Sheets
Rule number one of goalkeeping, don't concede goals. This important statistic however raises some valid questions as considering his criticism over the past couple of months, the German keeper has acquired more clean sheets per game than his rumoured predecessor.
Alisson was only able to acquire 15 clean sheets in 34 league appearances for The Giallorossi while Karius, despite only making 19 appearances, notched up 10 clean sheets in the Premier League.
With both keepers aged 25, it is the current Liverpool no.1 who has the more experience domestically, with the German making 141 appearances and accumulating 85 clean sheets in the process, compared to the Brazilian who has managed 50 in 113.
Goals Conceded
Following on from the above section, goals conceded can provide a far greater understanding of how the two compare - or can it?
For both Premier League and Champions League, Karius boasted better statistics than the man many have pegged as best to replace him, despite his current Italian side's reputation for quality defending.
The former Mainz shot stopper conceded just 28 goals in 33 appearances achieving a goals conceded ratio of 0.74 for League appearances and 0.84 for Champions League outings compared to Alisson whose score was slightly higher at 0.79 for Serie A and 1.55 in European competition.
Saves Per Game
Finally a statistic that backs up the estimation of the man who could soon hold the title of World's Most Expensive Goalkeeper.
While Karius' mistakes in the Champions League final are still fresh in memory and emotion, his efforts previous have gone unrecognised, and while his achievement of 1.47 saves per game looks not enough to save his no.1 career, Liverpool fans can look forward to Alisson bringing an impressive 2.71 saves per match.
The fine margins between success have only recently been accepted to be settled between the sticks, Manchester United's investment in David De Gea has been the difference between a win, loss or a draw time and time again and the impending arrival of a world class shot stopper could see The Reds reach that next level.
Final Thoughts:
While the name and draw of Alisson oozes class, the contributions of Karius should not be forgotten. Mistakes may overshadow his future at Anfield, his development could only continue if pulled away from the no.1 shirt. His statistics have showcased a degree of success nonetheless and having a goalkeeper of his quality as a back up can only be positive.
In the hopes of not tempting fate, the draw of what looks like the World's Most Expensive goalkeeper sounds like a brilliant step forward for the club who have been crying out for serious investment between the sticks - but it is a gamble for one man in particular. Jürgen Klopp has never purchased a new no.1 and it may take time for a player to adapt to his style of play.
With a vast improvement in depth, Liverpool look ready to attack on all fronts in the 2018-19 campaign and without a doubt, a man of Alisson's talents will ultimately improve that.
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