Karius Expects Goalkeeping "Competition" but There Won't Be One

Given the speed with which Liverpool secured the signing of Loris Karius following the end of the season, Liverpool fans could have been forgiven for expecting the club to bring in a player a week through the end of the Euros. Since, though, any other potential deals seem to have been set to simmer.

Still, there’s Liverpool’s presumptive new starting goalkeeper to talk about. And Karius most certainly is the presumptive new starter for the Reds, having spoken of his desire to be the number one being behind his choice of the number one shirt earlier in the week and now setting out his intent to win any goalkeeper contest.

"Competition is just part of a big club like this," Karius told the club’s official website when asked about the possibility that he might have to win the starting job away from incumbent Simon Mignolet. "I want to become the number one, have success with Liverpool, and play in Europe as soon as possible. Those are my goals."

In many ways, it’s a situation that feels similar to when Mignolet arrived at Liverpool with Pepe Reina still on the books. There may have been plenty of talk about depth and competition, but after a season in which Reina had recorded the worst saves per goal ratio of his career, that a change was coming seemed inevitable.

After a strong run as Liverpool’s starting ‘keeper, Reina had grown increasingly shaky, and in his final year as starter only managed 1.27 saves for every goal he allowed. Mignolet, after arriving with hope, promise, and a reputation as a stellar shot stopper, only managed to make 1.27 saves for every goal allowed last year.

It was the second worst save ratio amongst starting goalkeepers in the Premier League, only beaten at the bad end by Brad Guzan at relegated Aston Villa. With Mignolet still on the books, there will be some continuing attempts to talk about it being a question; a competition. As was the case the last time around, it isn’t.

Loris Karius, the 22-year-old German who will wear the number one at Anfield, is set to be Liverpool’s new starting goalkeeper. And, he says, he’s ready for that challenge; he’s ready to play for a new club in a new league, to work to continue to improve as a player, and to look to take the next step in his career.

"The day before I signed the contract I was shown around the club," he added. "I was immediately convinced that this would be the right and the next important step in my career."