Klavan: The goal was nice but I'm happier to help the team
Ragnar Klavan was typically self-effacing as he reflected on the first goal of his Liverpool career, declaring himself happy just to be able to help the team claim another win.
The Estonian opened his account as he put the Reds ahead from a corner during their 3-0 victory over Derby County in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
And, though Klavan admitted after the game that the moment was significant for him on a personal level, he was more pleased to have made the breakthrough in what could have proved a tricky tie.
"It's a really nice moment as an individual but I was really happy that I could help the team," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We had a lot of possession and dominated the game but we didn't score [at first], but I was in the right place at the right moment - or maybe the wrong place, I don't know!
"I was there and made a goal and after that we didn't give away any goals and, to the end, we were good."
Klavan's goal against Nigel Pearson's men came hot on the heels of another crucial opener from a Liverpool defender - Dejan Lovren's volleyed finish in last Friday's win over Chelsea.
The summer signing from Augsburg went on to explain that it is no coincidence, either.
"We work a lot on defensive set-pieces and also offensive ones," he added.
"Slowly, you can see our defensive ones are getting better and also our offensive ones - we are nicking some goals."
The 30-year-old also refused to be drawn on whether he feels his chances of staking a claim for a start in the Premier League have been enhanced by his showing against the Rams.
"I haven't really thought about it. For me, it's really important that I came back from my knee injury and [I can] stay fit," he insisted.
"We are just one team and whoever plays is ready to play, that's a nice feeling."