Goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros has expressed his delight at making a surprise Premier League debut for Liverpool on Saturday.
The third-choice goalkeeper was called up to the bench to deputise for Caoimhin Kelleher, who was out of action due to an illness, initially, but was then called into Premier League action for the first time in his career when Alisson Becker hobbled off with a suspected hamstring injury.
Jaros performed admirably during his 11 minutes in goal, making one save to ensure that the Reds earned a valuable 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Speaking after his debut, Jaros told the club press that it was a “brilliant feeling” to get some Premier League minutes under his belt:
“It was a brilliant feeling, something you dream of as a kid,” said Jaros. “Obviously it’s a bit stressful coming on as a keeper, especially in a game like this when it was up and down towards the end, but managed to get the clean sheet and managed to get the three points.
“So brilliant. I went on a few loans in the past which I think got me read, so I’m ready and available to play whenever.”
Jaros has spent the last four years on loan at various clubs including St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland – where he won the club’s player of the year award – and most recently Sturm Graz in Austria – where he won the league and cup double.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was keen to heap praise on Jaros after his debut too, telling the press:
“The last time Alisson was injured I would have played Jaros, but I played Caoimhin [Kelleher]. So Caoimhin is the number two and did really well.
“It’s very pleasing to see that even our third goalkeeper, because Caoimhin was sick yesterday and today of course, can have an impact on our results.”
