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Georginio Wijnaldum reveals why Liverpool fans should not worry about Adrian despite error
LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Adrian gifted Southampton a late goal in their Premier League clash but team-mate Georginio Wijnaldum insists fans should not worry about the error.
Liverpool had a two goal lead against Southampton at St Mary’s when Adrian cleared the ball into the shin of Saints striker Danny Ings, who slotted the ball home unopposed from inside the box.
The Reds managed to hold onto their 2-1 lead despite a late resurgence from Southampton after Adrian’s gaffe, but Wijnaldnum was quick to defend the back-up goalkeeper after the game.
“Those kind of things can happen with a goalkeeper,” Wijnaldnum said.
“Last season it happened to Alisson against Leicester City and in a pre-season friendly.
Those kind of things can happen with a goalkeeper
“How is he going to react to the mistake? I think that is more important than the mistake itself.
“Everyone can make a mistake, also a goalkeeper. But the only thing is, he is a goalkeeper, and if he makes a mistake, a lot of times, it will result in a goal.”
Liverpool needed a back-up for Alisson after the club agreed to sell Simon Mignolet to Club Bruges for €7m (£6.4m) and Adrian joined the club on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old left West Ham at the end of last season after having spent six years at the east London club, where he had made over 150 appearances for the Hammers.
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However, the Spaniard made his debut for the cub earlier than he may have expected after Alisson suffered a calf injury in the Reds’ Premier League opener against Norwich.
In the following game Adrian was the hero for Liverpool, as he kept out Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham's penalty to secure the win over the Blues in the Super Cup and help the Reds win their first silverware of the season.
However, despite suffering a freak ankle injury during the celebrations but did pass a late fitness test to start against Southampton.
And Wijnaldnum thinks Adrian, who has only been at the club for two weeks, just needs time to settle in.
“Everyone needs time to adjust,” the 28-year-old midfielder said.
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“He is just in for, not even two weeks, so we have to get used to each other.
“It would have been easier if he had come in from the start with Simon leaving and him coming in.
“Now we just have to take the time that we have and train with each other and get to know each other better because everyone needs time to settle in – I had it also when I came here – I think all of the signings had it when they signed for Liverpool.
“So he will be ok.”