Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Adrian has had a surprisingly busy start to life at the Reds, but is still looking for a first clean sheet.
While the Spanish stopper might have been expected to watch on and bide his time for a debut, perhaps in the League Cup next month, it has actually been the complete opposite.
An Alisson injury means that Adrian will face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, playing his fifth game for Liverpool already.
One trophy is in the bag, thanks to the UEFA Super Cup, but he also impressed against Arsenal before a late consolation goal denied him, and the rest of the defence, a first shut-out.
Speaking to the club website ahead of the short trip to the Clarets, the No. 13 made it clear they all want that feeling of no-goals-against across the 90 minutes—but there’s a bigger priority.
“A clean sheet for the ‘keeper and the defenders means a lot,” he said.
“Obviously we want to win the three points, that’s the most important [thing]. But the second-most important thing is to keep a clean sheet. We didn’t get it at the moment.”
There’s reason to expect that first clean sheet will follow, though. The Reds’ performances have improved game on game, with the win against Arsenal last time out the most complete showing thus far.
Adrian knows it’s a different challenge this weekend, but has his eyes on the prize as well as the points.
“We are improving game by game. The last game against Arsenal we did really well, we played 70 to 75 minutes at great intensity so Arsenal didn’t have any chance to win the game.
“We go to a different kind of game at Burnley’s pitch; a different size and a different style of play of them. But we are preparing well for the game and we go there to get three points – and hopefully to get the first clean sheet.”
A clean sheet and a win sounds like the perfect way to head off into the international break with—and as well as already being a trophy-winner with the Reds, it would mean Adrian is part of a record-breaking team.
Four wins to start the Premier League season would be a new record for Liverpool, and 13 wins on the spin, spanning back to last season, would be another.
A big test is ahead and a first shut-out would go a long way toward helping reach those lofty targets.
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