LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 12, 2017: Liverpool's Ragnar Klavan in action against Burnley during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ragnar Klavan stresses commitment to Liverpool cause “whatever the role”

Ragnar Klavan has explained how he is content to play “whatever the role” for Liverpool, as they push for Champions League football in 2017/18.

Klavan has been a regular feature in Jurgen Klopp‘s matchday squad since his £4.2 million arrival from Augsburg last summer, serving as cover for the likes of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.

The Estonian international has made 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season, including starts in the last three Premier League games.

This has largely come due to injury to Lovren, but Klavan has impressed when fielded—with Klopp no doubt endeared by the 31-year-old’s attitude.

After making the step up from a smaller side in the Bundesliga, Klavan is happy to take up a squad role for the Reds in their quest for success under Klopp.

“As a player for this club, you want to play Champions League,” he told LiverpoolFC.com.

“For me as well, I want to be important for this club and whatever the role is going to be I’m always going to be there for this team.

“Whenever it’s needed, I’m going to be there and this is how it is.

“When the manager says you play, then you play; when he says you don’t play, then you wait for your chance, you work hard on the training pitch.

“And you’re going to get your chance when you do things right.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 31, 2016: Liverpool's Ragnar Klavan in action against Manchester City during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Kolo Toure leaving the club on a free transfer last summer, Klavan’s arrival has been a big boost for Liverpool, taking up duties as experienced backup in defence.

Klavan has arguably been an upgrade on both Toure and Martin Skrtel, with his understated displays at the back helping contribute to four of Liverpool’s seven clean sheets in the league.

That he is comfortable serving as deputy is hugely important, particularly given the Reds’ lack of European football this season.

With Liverpool likely to qualify for at least the Europa League next term, Klavan’s outings could be set to increase, with Klopp’s side fighting on four fronts in 2017/18.

Having a player content with a peripheral role is key, with Klavan’s approach pivotal to the harmony of Klopp’s squad.

And crucially, Klavan has performed when called upon, with the former AZ Alkmaar defender proving one the bargain signings of Klopp’s reign so far.

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