Loris Karius and Ederson compared by Shay Given ahead of Liverpool v Manchester City
Tuesday 3 April 2018 17:16, UK
Shay Given believes an improved Loris Karius could yet help take Liverpool "to the next level" as the goalkeeper prepares for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City.
Karius' credentials have repeatedly come under scrutiny but he has benefited from a run in the Liverpool side, having been in and out last season before wrestling the No 1 shirt from Simon Mignolet since the Belgian's last Premier League game on New Year's Day.
And Given, who had plenty of experience as a Premier League goalkeeper with Newcastle, as well as Manchester City, thinks the German could still end up being the answer to Liverpool's long-term goalkeeping troubles with his confidence seemingly on the rise.
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Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of the Anfield clash, Given said of Karius: "Some of the saves he's produced in recent weeks, I think he's stepped up to the plate.
"In these two games he will get tested for sure with that attacking force Manchester City have; there will be big moments where he will have to step up again but there's no reason why he can't do that. He's shown in recent weeks that he's a very good goalkeeper.
"People will say do they still need a goalkeeper in the summer, and maybe the jury's still out, but these saves and the belief he's getting from them, he might be good enough to bring them to the next level.
"It's difficult as a goalkeeper to have confidence unless you have to have the belief of your managers. We all make mistakes.
"Last year when he was making a mistake he was getting dropped, now the manager has said you're going to play, probably until the end of the season.
"Then you get the freedom to go and enjoy yourself, with the confidence and belief of your manager, which I think Jurgen Klopp has given him."
Liverpool will host Pep Guardiola's side as they look to reach the final four of Europe's top knock-out competition for the first time in a decade, but come up against a team just one win from the Premier League title - as well as a goalkeeper earning mass acclaim for his first season in English football.
And Given thinks that 24-year-old Ederson can only get better.
"You can't speak highly enough of him," Given said. "He's come into a new league, a new language to get past as well, but he brings assurance to the back four and the team.
"He brings a calmness about his play and decision making, he's very positive in what he does, and he's phenomenal with the ball at his feet.
"He's made some big saves this year going unnoticed, saves you maybe don't see on the TV where Man City win three or 4-0, but at important moments he's made big saves when called upon.
"He's only 24, he's got 10, maybe more years as well at the top level. Everyone knows exactly what they're getting with him."
