UEFA Super Cup 2019, Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea: 3 reasons why the Reds pipped Chelsea 5-4 on penalties

Liverpool v Chelsea: UEFA Super Cup
Liverpool v Chelsea: UEFA Super Cup

#2 Adrian is the latest name in the list of European heroes for Liverpool

Liverpool v Chelsea: UEFA Super Cup
Liverpool v Chelsea: UEFA Super Cup

Adrian looked set to sign for Real Valladolid in Spain a fortnight ago but the Spaniard's life took a dramatic turn as Liverpool came calling for him.

The experienced shot-stopper was roped in as a replacement for the outgoing Simon Mignolet on a free-transfer and although he was initially signed as a deputy for Alisson Becker, there was another twist in the tale.

Adrian made an unexpected Premier League debut for the Reds in their Premier League opener against Norwich, as Alisson hobbled off with a suspected calf strain.

As he took his place between the sticks in the Kop End to a rapturous reception from the Liverpool faithful, the former West Ham man's Liverpool fairy-tale began to take shape.

Deputizing for the Brazilian in the one-off encounter, Adrian was in the thick of the action as Liverpool prevailed 5-4 on penalties.

Although he conceded a penalty which was eventually converted, Adrian enhanced his reputation with a string of fantastic saves but saved his best for the last.

As Mohamed Salah calmly converted Liverpool's fifth penalty in the shoot-out, Liverpool's newest recruit made himself a hero in his full debut for the club.

Tammy Abraham's penalty was brilliantly kept out by the Spaniard and Reds were victorious, thanks to his last-gasp heroics in the shoot-out.

With Alisson reportedly ruled out for four weeks, Adrian's newly acquired status of cult-hero is sure to spur him on for the rest of the campaign as he aims to deputize for the Brazilian.

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