Ahead of his return to Anfield, Loris Karius has suggested Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is not in the “outstanding” category.

The German goalkeeper has been on loan at Turkish side Besiktas for the past two years and will return to the Reds ahead of next season and will look to challenge Alisson to the No. 1 position.

Karius had been Liverpool’s first choice keeper prior to dropping two clangers in the Reds’ Champions League defeat by Real Madrid in 2018.

Liverpool signed Alisson for £67million as Karius’ replacement, and the Brazilian has established himself as one of the club’s star players.

But Karius remains hopeful he can fight for his place in the Liverpool team next season, and has suggested Alisson is not “outstanding” in the same way his compatriot Manuel Neuer was a few years ago.

“At the moment there is probably not one outstanding goalkeeper who is above everyone else, as maybe a few years ago with Manuel Neuer,” Karius told Transfermarkt.

“Neuer is performing well. Marc-Andre ter Stegen delivers great performances in Barcelona. There is also a Jan Oblak at Atletico Madrid. Alisson did a great job last year and won the biggest trophy. It’s hard to commit to a candidate.”

On staying at Liverpool and fighting for his place in the team rather than moving on, the German added: “Of course I have to be playing if I actually change clubs.

“It makes no sense to say I’m leaving Liverpool for a worse club and I’m only number two there. But I’m not in a pressure situation at all, I don’t have to change.

“I can accelerate in training at Liverpool. As the second-choice goalkeeper in England you know that you get your chances.

“I am currently at the best club in the world, who are competing for trophies, and I have the highest level around me every day in training. I am fully aware that I am in a good position to be in Liverpool. I have great conditions there.

“I want to stay healthy and play at a high level for as long as possible. Of course, as a footballer, I want to win one or two trophies. I want to get the best possible performance out of myself.

“It is the same with Liverpool, where I am the challenger. When I am asked, I am there to perform and help the team. No matter whether as No. 1 or No. 2, I will always do my best.”

SOURCE:- fcnaija