'In goalkeeping terms, things look pretty good'
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp can be happy with his options between the sticks going into the new season, according to the club's goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.
The Reds' strength in depth in goal was boosted last summer with the acquisition of Loris Karius from Mainz, who competed with Simon Mignolet for the No.1 jersey over the course of his first campaign on Merseyside.
Klopp's selection decision will only get harder in 2017-18, with Danny Ward set to return from a season-long stay with Huddersfield Town that saw him help the Terriers clinch promotion to the Premier League.
For Achterberg, though, this can only be a positive.
"My opinion is that, in goalkeeping terms, things look pretty good for Liverpool," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"At a club like Liverpool small things get highlighted a lot more than at other clubs. Look at other clubs, they had their moments last season where not everything was perfect with their goalies.
"My job is to try to help the goalies to stay positive. I always talk to them and tell them what I think can be improved and I explain why we're working on something.
"I try to help all of them to keep motivated so they're working day in, day out to be the best they can be."
The Dutch coach also offered an individual assessment of the three 'keepers who will be vying for a starting berth next season, which you can read below.
On Mignolet...
"Simon did very well," he said.
"He got a lot of praise which was well deserved. He made some important saves in vital games towards the end of the season which earned points for the team. There were match-winning saves and he helped us get to that fourth place.
"He improved in all areas of his game. That's credit to him for the hard work he put in on the training ground. He produced it on the pitch. Now he needs to try to keep that momentum going and take it into next season."
On Karius...
"Loris came here to fight Simon," Achterberg added.
"You know how it works in football. If the other one gets back in then he has to take it and it was the same for Loris. He had to wait and work hard and wait for the next chance to come up. His attitude was very good.
"Loris played against Sydney and didn't do anything wrong. I know he wasn't really busy but every decision he made was the right one. He showed he has good qualities and he's still young."
On Ward...
"It was always the plan for Danny to try to get him playing for two years and help move his level on," the Dutchman continued.
"He showed good consistency for Huddersfield. We'll bring him back because we want three good goalies to fight each other.
"It's going to be a big season next season. If there are any injuries or suspensions, you need to have three top goalies.
"You need that competition. We need to keep everyone fit and improving so they are ready to take that chance, whenever it comes along."