Liverpool head coach Arne Slot heaped praise on Alisson Becker for proving why he remains the first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield. The Reds beat Girona 0-1 in the away Champions League game to secure their sixth win in the European competition.
Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League table with Alisson bolstering their squad further. The 32-year-old Brazilian suffered from a hamstring injury in the game against Crystal Palace just before the October international break.
Caoimhin Kelleher did a fantastic job in his absence, playing a pivotal role for the club during the fixture congestion. However, Kelleher’s big mistake against Newcastle United cost the club two points and highlighted the difference between the two keepers.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made several top-class saves against Girona on Tuesday.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made several top-class saves against Girona on Tuesday.
While any keeper is susceptible to mistakes, Kelleher’s error was more a choice to not collect the ball against Newcastle. Fans are still grateful for everything that Kelleher has done for the club during this important phase amid Alisson’s absence.
However, the Brazilian return is a huge boost and his performance against Girona outlines the reason he is very essential. Speaking to the reporters (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot highlighted the performance as the main reason Alisson is a first-choice over Kelleher at Liverpool. He said:
“No, he definitely didn’t. I said a bit of a joke that maybe the players wanted to see how fit he really was, so to give him so much work. But, of course, that was not our plan. He showed again today why I said so many times that he’s our first goalkeeper. That has nothing to do with Caoimhin [Kelleher] – he did so, so well. But Alisson has been so important for this club for so many years, for his country as well. [He] showed today that he’s probably one of the best, in my opinion the best goalkeeper in the world. And let’s hope he can keep continuing to bring these performances. Let’s hope even more that he can stay fit.”
According to Sofascore, Alisson made one punch, one high claim and one successful run out against Girona in Liverpool’s victory. The 32-year-old made five saves throughout the game with four saves coming from inside the box.
The Brazil international played a pivotal role in the team’s possessional dominance with 42 touches and 86% passing accuracy. Alisson delivered two accurate long balls during the game and made two clearances to maintain his clean sheet.
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Liverpool have conceded one goal in the Champions League so far this campaign and need to maintain that consistent formidability. Alisson needs to remain fit for the club as the fixture congestion continues while we approach halfway into the season.