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Loris Karius could be the answer for Liverpool, says Tim Sherwood

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Tim Sherwood thinks Loris Karius could become a top class goalkeeper for Liverpool, using the example of how David de Gea has developed at Manchester United

Tim Sherwood thinks Loris Karius could still become a top-class goalkeeper for Liverpool, using the example of how David De Gea has developed since joining Manchester United.

After a shaky start to his Liverpool career, Karius has produced string of fine performances in recent weeks being given a run as Jurgen Klopp's No 1.

It was a similar story for De Gea at Old Trafford. The Spain international was written off by many after struggling early on in his United career but he has since developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

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Sherwood, speaking on The Debate, thinks Karius could still develop like De Gea.

"De Gea is so good we forget what he was like in his development," the former Blackburn midfielder said.

"Going back to Karius, I'm not sure De Gea was that great when he first came to England. He took time to settle.

David de Gea during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Stoke City at Old Trafford on January 15, 2018
Image: David de Gea has been in fine form for United this season

"The problem Karius had was that Klopp was rotating his goalkeepers around but now he has now said to Karius that he is the number one so go and play like it.

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"As a young goalkeeper you need confidence. He's only 24 and he might be the answer."

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson also praised Karius' recent performances, saying he is making similar saves to United 'keeper De Gea.

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius in Champions League action
Image: Karius in Champions League action

"I'm going to give Karius a little bit of praise," Thompson told The Debate.

"In his last few games he's made some crucial saves at crucial times and we haven't had that before with either Mignolet or Karius.

"He made one when Arnautovic tried to chip him and also one against Newcastle just before half-time to deny Diame.

"They are saves we see De Gea making for Manchester United all the time."

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Loris Karius of Liverpool celebrates his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenha
Image: Phil Thompson praised Karius' recent performances

Karius has started Liverpool's last seven matches in all competitions, keeping five clean sheets.

Thompson thinks that regular game time alongside Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren and Andy Robertson is helping him and Liverpool defensively.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11:  Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's S
Image: Karius has been helped by the presence of Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence

"Against Porto Klopp could have quite easily played Mignolet but he played Karius and that's so that he can play and play regularly," Thompson said.

"You've also got Van Dijk in there now and the goalkeeper trusts Van Dijk, who is organising things for Liverpool. And now the centre-backs are giving the goalkeeper confidence.

"There's also Robertson who is consistently playing in there. There's a settled defence and that helps Liverpool."

Watch Manchester United v Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am on Saturday.

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