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Liverpool Echo

Sport

Connor Dunn

Adrian, Jack Butland and how Liverpool's goalkeeper really compares to other transfer options

The injury to Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is a frustrating one for all involved.

Manager Jurgen Klopp doesn't have his star shot-stopper available for selection, the player himself cannot quell his desperation to be on the pitch after working hard each day to hone his skills in order to perform for the team in such a scenario and the Anfield faithful don't get to see their world-class Brazilian in action between the sticks.

In every way you look at the incident, in which Alisson injured his shoulder after being involved in a collision in training that is set to keep him sidelined for around four to six weeks, there are few positives.

However, there is a slight bit of fortune in the timing given the international break is upon us and the Reds are not in action until October 17, plus Klopp also has deputy goalkeeper Adrian in the squad to step up again as he did last term.

Adrian's first Premier League game this season, while deputising for Alisson as he recovers, was against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Of course, it was a game to forget as the Reds were humiliated after producing an insipid team performance while being swept aside in a 7-2 defeat at Villa Park.

Adrian was culpable for Villa’s first goal, gifting the ball to Jack Grealish who played it across to Ollie Watkins who slotted home inside four minutes, and the Spaniard's overall performance was not one to be admired though he is by no means alone in that category.

"The first goal was not good but I don’t think he had anything to do with the other goals," Klopp said after the match.

"We didn’t help him tonight. He is a really good goalie.

"Last year we played 11 games with him and won pretty much all. Tonight our goalie was not the problem. The reaction to the first goal was not his problem, it was our problem."

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp on Alisson injury and Adrian performance in 7-2 Aston Villa humbling

Liverpool were condemned to their heaviest loss since 1963 by Dean Smith's side and Klopp will no doubt now be looking for a big reaction from his players when they travel to Goodison Park and face Everton next Saturday.

After the game, and as is the truly reactionary nature of football fans in this day and age, many were pointing fingers at Adrian for the chastening defeat while stating that Liverpool should immediately head into the transfer market and purchase a better back-up goalkeeper to Alisson - as the international window was still open for around another 24 hours after the final whistle.

However, Klopp has not managed to steer the Premier League champions into such a commanding position in both domestic and European football by being a reactionary manager who jumps ship after one freak result and as such - the manager backed Adrian to step up and perform.

Of course, that hasn't stopped all manner of supporters, pundits and former players speaking out and urging Liverpool to bring in another shot-stopper as Premier League clubs are still able to do business with teams in the Football League - before a secondary transfer deadline comes into play on October 16.

So, the ECHO has taken a look at goalkeepers who are out of favour and might be available from Championship sides plus a couple of free agents and compared them to Adrian in order to see if such players are really worth paying attention to - or if Liverpool do have the best option among their ranks already.

What must be noted here is that all statistics, from FBRef.com, have been taken from every match played across all competitions for every player at their current club - meaning some of the numbers must be viewed with context in terms of Adrian performing at the top of domestic and European competition for the Reds.

Other factors for Michael Edwards and his transfer team swooping for the Spaniard last year will also no doubt include his character, determination and ability under real pressure but without futher ado - here are the numbers.