Poll Ragnar Klavan.... Praise?

[Jerry Laser]

Its no coincedence that since he has been in the team we have shipped less goals....

Does he get an unfair wrap seeing as he never got a decent run in the team?

Since he and Lovren have played together we definitely look more stable at the back (apart from the odd hiccup)....

Does this unknown deserve a bit of credit?

 

[gkmacca]

You're Klavan a laugh.


No, he's doing okay. It's what unwanted defenders, brought in late on in the summer because you need to get someone and your first choices can't come, have to go through - derision, anger, abuse, obscurity, derision again and gradual re-evaluation (if they're lucky) before furious denunciation when they next cock something up. We've missed that so much this season after Klopp didn't go for another one.

 

[Windom Earle]

I think Klavan is doing OK. The fact that he has managed 40 appearances to this point does highlight some of the issues we've had at the back with regards to injuries, (first choice) Matip has only made 49.

As third/fourth choice he's done well, he's just been called upon to be first choice too often. Good run of form he's on at the moment though.

 

[darkstarexodus]

Is any worse than Matip really? Not sure. Small sample size on both of them.

 

[the count]

I suspect that Lovren looks better with Klavan because he has switched to the right side of defense where Matip usually plays.
Klavan similarly looks a little more assured without Moreno to his left.
At times I would be interested to see how Matip and Klavan get on together, I think they have played little together so far, but as they are both quite easily bullied at times it would need to be against less physically offensive sides.

 

[jon545660]

I think the biggest factor in our defensive improvement isn't about individual players. It's the change in formation, particularly away frome home.

 

[Jerry Laser]

He's played 10 games of 90 mins in which we have conceded 9 goals in the Prem....

however, 5 of those came in 1 game against City....

This also includes 5 games with clean sheets....

I was surprised to see those stats!

 

[HC]

Klavan has been fine, easily our most dependable cb this season.

Hes hit some cracking forward balls in the past few weeks, he still scares the fuck out of me with his first touch when were pressing high.

 

[gkmacca]

When some people, rashly, likened Matip to Hansen I didn't think they meant Matip was like the Hansen of his last couple of seasons, when he couldn't train and rarely played. We just cannot rely on someone like that.

Klavan is now doing the job he was brought in to do - as a reserve CB who plays as and when needed. Inevitably, ish, he'll be better when he has a run of games rather than an isolated one.

Unlike some on here, I've always been sceptical of us getting anyone much better than Klavan for that kind of role, unless there's a top player who wants a final year or two on the bench. It's just not logical - if you're better than that, you're better than that.

 

[hmmmmm1]

He is performing like his fee. Never going to a world beater but can do a job.

His problem is, the other defenders are not much better, so we have had to rely on him much than first thought.

 

[Frogfish]

Is any worse than Matip really? Not sure. Small sample size on both of them.

That's rather personal isn't it ? Anyway I'm sure they'll both claim it's much bigger than you're stating.

 

[Ryan]

As I said in the other thread, if you're buying a 31 year old Estonian centre back for 4 million-odd quid, then you need to set your expectations accordingly.

He's done very well recently. Certainly not our long-term plan is he, but can't complain about his performances over the last couple of months.

 

[darkstarexodus]

It's really only another couple good weeks before we start seeing him touted as future captain though, isn't it?

 

[Windom Earle]

It's really only another couple good weeks before we start seeing him touted as future captain though, isn't it?

He needs to show a bit more leadership first. Maybe if he could step in and defend Salah from questions about his future move to Real Madrid, I could then get on board with this.

 

[gkmacca]

It's really only another couple good weeks before we start seeing him touted as future captain though, isn't it?

No, not unless you do so.

 

[LarryHagman]

Is any worse than Matip really? Not sure. Small sample size on both of them.

Realistically, he's been better the last few games than Matip has ever shown.

 

[darkstarexodus]

No, not unless you do so.

I'll try to refrain. There isn't anyone in our squad who has demonstrated a strong suitability for the armband over the past couple seasons.

 

[moron]

Klavan - absolutely the best player today - did not put a foot wrong.

 

[Esoteric]

Ragnar is looking like the player Klopp told us he was right at the beginning. I recall he did well when he first arrived. What happened to turn so many "fans" against him? At this rate VvD will be fighting for a game.

 

[juniormember]

Ragnar is looking like the player Klopp told us he was right at the beginning. I recall he did well when he first arrived. What happened to turn so many "fans" against him? At this rate VvD will be fighting for a game.

He was shite.
Now he’s looking very dependable. He’ll likely be fighting to partner VVD. VVD won’t be fighting for a game. LOL.

 

[rurikbird]

At this point I think all 3 senior CB have a decent case for being the one to partner VVD:

Matip is having a mediocre season so far, but he is potentially the classiest of the 3 and might be revived by the presence of a more physical and proactive partner.

Lovren is up-and-down as usual, but maybe can become more steady when he doesn't have to be a leader.

Klavan has been our most consistent CB this season and he's left-footed, so it would be a nice balance.

Long-term I think it will be either Matip or Gomez or a new CB, but in the short-term anything is possible. Based on current form it should probably be Klavan.

 

[Roopy]

I like Klavan - he does a decent job.

If he's happy with the squad role then that's fine, does the job.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Lovren is still probably put in the performances of the highest quality, he just doesn't do it consistently.

If he can do that beside VVD then he should be his partner.

Massive if though

 

[Woland]

Best of a bad bunch

 

[Hansern]

 

[HC]

He certainly deserves praise, especially over the past month or so when everyone around him has lot their shit at various points.

Good squad option but still dont fancy him as a long term starting option.

 

[LarryHagman]

VVD aside, who will obviously play regardless, he’s our best CB. No debate.