Liverpool returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Girona in the UEFA Champions League as they made it six wins from six in the competition under Arne Slot.
Mohamed Salah’s solitary goal of the game did the trick for the Reds, who have now booked their place in the Round of 16 with two games to spare.
Liverpool were boosted by the return of Alisson Becker, who replaced Caoimhin Kelleher in the lineup after missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury.
And Virgil van Dijk has delivered his verdict on the Liverpool goalkeeper’s performance in what was an entertaining game of football in Spain.
Liverpool goalkeeper Virgil van Dijk heaps praise on Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker plays during the match between Girona FC and Liverpool FC, corresponding to week 6 of the League Stage of the UEFA Champions League,...
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Kelleher did really well during his time between the sticks, but Alisson showed exactly why he’s one of the best goalkeepers in world football and he sprung to action a handful of times to save his side.
In the first half, especially, Girona threatened to take control of the game and had several shots on goal, all of which were dealt with expertly by the Liverpool goalkeeper.
When asked about his return to the team, Van Dijk described Alisson as an important player as he helped the Reds keep their fifth clean sheet in Europe this season.
The Liverpool captain said after the game: “Yeah I think we needed him a couple of times, maybe too many, but he was there again and I’m happy for him and all of us that he’s back.
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“He’s such an important player for us on and off the pitch, so very happy that he’s back.”
Alisson’s stats vs Girona
Stephen Warnock praised Alisson for his fantastic double save in the first half as he kept Liverpool in the game when Girona had the upper hand.
The Brazilian goalkeeper capped his return to the side with an assured display and his underlying numbers from the game show exactly why he immediately replaced Kelleher in the XI after proving his fitness.
41 touches
25/29 passes completed (86% pass completion rate)
5 saves (4 from inside the box)
2 long balls completed
1 punch
Alisson was spotted saluting the traveling Liverpool fans who made the trip to Spain as the Reds made it six wins out of six in Europe.
His form will be crucial in the coming weeks as games prepare to come thick and fast in the festive period.
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