Who is Loris Karius? We profile Liverpool's new goalkeeper

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Loris Karius

Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool after joining for a £4.7m fee.

But who is the German 22-year-old who has become Liverpool's second confirmed arrival of the summer and will he displace Simon Mignolet as first-choice keeper?

Here, we take a look...

Profile

Name: Loris Karius

Age: 22

Club: Liverpool

Position: Goalkeeper

Nationality: German

What does the signing of Loris Karius mean for Simon Mignolet? What does the signing of Loris Karius mean for Simon Mignolet?

Background

Karius' spent his youth at a host of German clubs including Stuttgart, and also spent two years in Manchester City's academy between 2009-11, where he featured for the under-18 and under-21 sides.

He then switched on loan to Mainz in the summer of 2011, before completing a permanent move in January 2012, and went on to make a host of appearances for their reserves.

I spoke to the manager and I had a good feeling afterwards because he told me what he wants to do with the club and with the players Karius on joining Liverpool

He made his senior debut later that year at the age of 19 before going on to establish himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.

Karius played every game of the 2015/16 season for Mainz, keeping nine clean sheets in the process as they finished sixth in the Bundesliga.

He has also appeared at every youth level from under-16s upwards for Germany, but his appearances have been limited as he has often played second fiddle to Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet may face a fresh challenge from Karius

Style of play

Karius shows a calmness under pressure when on the ball and possesses good composure with his feet, an area where current No 1 Mignolet has often fallen short at Anfield.

He may be two inches shorter than Mignolet, standing at 6'2'', but is more than adept at dealing with crosses and shows a good command of his area thanks to his aggressive starting position - much like fellow German Manuel Neuer.

He is also a superb shot stopper and his long-range kicking, which was previously an area of weakness in his game, has improved greatly over the last year.

Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich is Germany's first-choice goalkeeper

Where will he fit in?

Mignolet penned a new five-year deal at Anfield earlier this season, but the 28-year-old has come under plenty of scrutiny throughout most of his Liverpool career so far.

Having been a regular in the Bundesliga, it is unlikely that Karius would be moving to Liverpool for a regular place on the bench, particularly considering the club don't have European football to look forward to next season and could play as few as 40 games.

The young German, along with Danny Ward, will likely be pushing Mignolet for a first-team spot.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his squad this summer

What they say

Mainz captain Julian Baumgartlinger - "He does not have any flaws. He has become better and better with either foot. He is on the right track."

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann - "He's a very talented keeper. I've seen him a few times working for German Sky and I think he will be a good 'keeper."

Karius on joining Liverpool: "It's a very good feeling and it's an honour to play for a club like this. They have a special history and the fans are amazing here, so I look forward to playing at Anfield. I spoke to the manager and I had a good feeling afterwards because he told me what he wants to do with the club and with the players."