Klopp hails ‘life-saver’ Adrian as Liverpool back-up ‘keeper issues rallying cry for Merseyside derby

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Adrian for his “man of the match” exploits in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Spanish shot-stopper played the final 15 minutes at Anfield as Alisson was sent for a deliberate handball outside of his area.
How has Adrian fared this season? Five things to know…
- Adrian joined Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer following his release from West Ham.
- He made an immediate impact at the club as Alisson sustained an injury on the opening week of 2019/20.
- The Brazilian was out for seven games but Adrian and Liverpool went unbeaten during that time.
- Adrian performed heroically as Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Super Cup earlier this season.
- He has once again stood in for the absent Alisson and earned praise from manager Klopp.
Liverpool were made to sweat for three points in the end after Brighton reduced the deficit to just one goal thanks to an ingenious Lewis Dunk free-kick – which stemmed from Alisson’s sending off.
Adrian produced a number of vital saves in the closing stages, adding to his growing status as something of a cult hero on Merseyside.
The summer recruit came in for the injured Alisson at the start of the season, and performed admirably between the sticks, and Klopp has once again hailed the ‘keeper after he helped protect Liverpool’s eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
“My man of the match is Adrian, coming on in a game like this and having that knock of the free kick,” Klopp said.
“I want to read something [in the press] about that situation. It is incredible.
“An ice-cold keeper getting his gloves ready and then… [whistle]. That is our life. Then being in the game to make two saves.
“He saved our lives and I am happy for him he can play the derby.”
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Adrian’s rallying Merseyside derby cry
Liverpool will contest in the first Merseyside derby of the season on Wednesday and with Alisson now suspended for the match, Adrian is set to deputise.
And the Spaniard has wasted no time in gearing himself up for the intense rivalry, letting Kopites know he is primed and ready for the contest.
Know what?? Already focused on Everton! COME ON LADS!! 💪🏻🔴#ADR13N pic.twitter.com/8cgNvGgEaQ
— Adrián San Miguel (@AdriSanMiguel) December 1, 2019
On his official Twitter account, Adrian wrote: “Know what?? Already focused on Everton! COME ON LADS!!”
Liverpool will be hoping to make it six Premier League wins on the bounce and keep their unbeaten record intact when they collide with Marco Silva’s struggling Everton at Anfield later this week.