Sunday 4 March 2018 11:16, UK
Jurgen Klopp believes Loris Karius is justifying the decision to make him Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper.
The Germany international, who has been promoted ahead of Simon Mignolet in recent weeks, produced a stunning save to keep out a shot from Mohamed Diame in first-half added time against Newcastle.
Liverpool were 1-0 up at that stage and went on to win 2-0 but the significance of the moment was not lost on Klopp.
"I wouldn't say we didn't have no chance afterwards to win the game but if the ball goes in it changes the game for sure. It was like scoring to be honest," he said.
"If he is not a good goalkeeper I would be the biggest idiot in world football if I lined him up.
"The start was not so good and then people make their assessment immediately.
"For a goalkeeper, timing is very important. The best thing is not to make a mistake in the first 50 games and then people think you are the best and you can then be responsible for three goals in a row and people will still think you are world class."
Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool's opener following a driving run by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while a brilliantly threaded through-ball by Roberto Firmino was the key to Sadio Mane scoring after the break.
Salah's strike brought his tally for the season to 32 goals but Klopp was keen to point out the contribution of the whole team.
"I love the goals he scores, I love his assists. I really love this player, now he is doing so well and thank God he is still healthy and fit.
"But all the others have exactly the same importance. He knows he needs a pass, he cannot get a ball in midfield and then run forward to be free in the box it is not possible so it was a world-class situation from Ox.
"The pass from Roberto Firmino, I would have a ligament injury in my ankle if I tried that. It was good teamwork in football and I love that the most."
