#5 Ragnar Klavan
Trending
In many ways, the big Estonian is a typical Klopp signing. He wasn’t playing for a big club, he didn’t command a huge fee but he can do his job. Klavan cost the Reds £3.5 million when he moved from Augsburg in the summer.
Klavan has been used as a backup option when either Matip or Lovren have been injured. And for a backup centre-back, he has done a stunning job.
That has been exemplified in December. The Reds started the month off with a disappointing capitulation in the 4-3 loss away at Bournemouth. Against West Ham, he came on to replace Lovren at half-time, and from then on, Liverpool have conceded only one goal in 315 minutes of football.
Klavan’s strength is unquestionable, but his ability with the ball at his feet and his composure while defending tight situations have stood out in his first season with Liverpool. The defender has played in all EFL Cup games so far, mostly partnering Lucas Leiva at the heart of the defence. The Reds face Southampton in a two-legged semi-final tie next month.
Grade – 6/10 – Nothing too flashy or spectacular, but has done his job effectively when he has been called upon.
