Vitezslav Jaros understood the importance of staying cool, calm, and collected as he prepared for his competitive debut with Liverpool.
When Alisson Becker fell to the ground late in the second half during Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace with an injury, Jaros was called upon to help preserve the Reds’ clean sheet and maintain their 1-0 lead, courtesy of a goal from Diogo Jota.
The Czech goalkeeper, who spent part of last season on loan at Sturm Graz, can confidently consider his performance a job well done, as Liverpool held on to secure their position at the top of the Premier League.
“Brilliant feeling, it’s something you dream of as a kid,” Vitezslav Jaros told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Obviously it was a bit stressful as a ‘keeper coming on towards the end there, especially in a game like this when it was up and down towards the end.
“But I managed to keep a clean sheet and we managed to get the three points. Brilliant.”
He added: “Not much really and I think it’s better because your head is racing already.
“Everyone around is going, ‘There’s your shirt, put your shin pads on’ and all this.
“They didn’t say much and I think it’s better.
“You have to and it’s about finding your concentration and get straight in.
“I think probably because they had a set-piece straight away and they were on top of us a little bit for the first five minutes I came on, it helped me get in the game a bit quicker.
“I mean, as everyone else in the team, we all work hard on a daily basis.
“Personally, it’s a great reward to come on and be able to get my debut.
“Loads of messages but I’ve not read them yet.
“I just saw my phone was going off when the gaffer was giving his speech.
“Yeah, definitely. I went on a few loans in the past, which I think got me ready and I’ve played quite a few games now.
“I’m ready, I’m available to play whenever.
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