Liverpool’s Problems Is Always The Defensive Unit – Steve Nicol

Liverpool will need to upgrade from Simon Mignolet this summer and ideally find someone who can push Loris Karius to be their No. 1 goalkeeper, according to former Anfield defender Steve Nicol.

“I think Liverpool should go and see if they can either get a No. 1 or have somebody who’s on a level with Karius because Mignolet isn’t,” Nicol said. “He … is clearly the No. 2, and I think what Mignolet’s doing is waiting to see if he can get a game in the World Cup.

“[Thibaut] Courtois has had a couple little injury nicks recently, and a good World Cup will mean Mignolet is in the shop window and he could get himself a good move.”

“Liverpool’s problems were always the defensive unit — and by that, more importantly, the centre-back position and the goalkeeper,” Nicol said. “They’ve certainly made a difference signing Van Dijk at that centre-back position, and Karius, as good as a last couple of months as he’s had, are we really 100 percent relying on him? I’m not ready for that yet. That means Liverpool, in my opinion, have to go out and get a recognised No. 1.”

Liverpool could turn to Italy for Karius’ competition, including Roma’s Alisson Becker, the Brazil No. 1, or AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Nicol believes either would be a clear upgrade on Mignolet, who is under contract until summer 2021.

“I would have no problem with [Alisson],” Nicol said. “I wouldn’t have a problem if they could get the likes of a Donnarumma, who could be the goalkeeper for the next decade.

“I think, definitely, it’s a priority now for Liverpool. It’s a weak spot. Again, as good as Karius has been recently, he’s not the finished article by a long way.”