Arne Slot has claimed that Liverpool are expecting young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi to become a first-teamer in the future.
The Reds are in the midst of another potential goalkeeping overhaul this summer after strong rumours emerged that Alisson Becker could leave for Juventus.
If Alisson does depart, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to take on duties as Liverpool‘s number one, with Slot now claiming that Pecsi is likely to be in the mix in the future as well.
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Federico Chiesa of Liverpool looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace
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Slot happy with ‘very talented’ Pecsi
Liverpool have a more immediate issue regarding goalkeepers over who plays for Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Slot confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Mamardashvili is definitely unavailable, but suggested that Alisson still has a chance to play. If the Brazilian is not ready, Freddie Woodman will step in.
As for Pecsi, Slot said that he’s been impressed by the 21-year-old since signing him last summer and that he has no issues calling upon him if needed.
“He was already on the bench last week because we were short on players, we added Armin to the bench as well,” he said. “Of course he’s on the bench tomorrow.”
Armin Pecsi pictured on the ball during Liverpool U21s match against Manchester United at the AXA Training Centre
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“We think we signed a very talented goalkeeper in him, he already played minutes at the highest level in Hungary. Now he’s played multiple games with the U21s and of course he gets better and better because if you are every day on the pitch doing finishing drills with the attackers we have, you are becoming a better goalkeeper.
“Still very young, still of course progress to be made, but that’s completely normal,” Slot added. “But we think we’ve signed a very talented and good goalkeeper who could eventually play for us.”
Asked whether he saw Pecsi as being at the level to play for Liverpool, the Dutchman shared what he especially likes about the Hungarian’s progress so far.
“If you’re asking me do I see him at the level of Alisson, my answer is no, but that’s not criticism at all,” he responded. “If you ask me if something would happen with Freddie tomorrow, then if Armin comes in I’m completely comfortable. He’s very comfortable on the ball, has a very good instinct and he reads the game really well, so he knows where the shot would go to, that I like a lot.”
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