Gary Lineker has heaped praise on one Liverpool star when discussing the best players in the Premier League.
The Reds have endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign so far, seeing their Premier League title chances decrease on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out.
History suggests Liverpool can overturn their points gap and retain their crown ahead of Arsenal, who sit eight points clear right now.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
But one Premier League win in five is not ideal, and that form will need to improve quickly if they are to catch the Gunners and Manchester City.
What probably hasn’t helped Liverpool this season is the fact that they have been without a key star who has now been described as a ‘special’ player by Gary Lineker.
Gary Lineker looks on during the Premier League Hall of Fame 2024 Inductions event at HERE
Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League
Gary Lineker praises Alisson Becker
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, the former striker was discussing who the best goalkeeper in the Premier League is.
He gave honourable mentions to Arsenal’s David Raya and Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
But Lineker ultimately decided that Alisson is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League when fit.
He said: “Raya has been brilliant. As has consistently Jordan Pickford. I would throw him in there as well.
“Probably Alisson when fit. He’s special.”
As Lineker mentioned, the Brazilian has had fitness issues this season, but he is now closing in on a return.
Alisson Becker pictured in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray.
Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Latest Alisson injury update before Liverpool face Nottingham Forest
The 33-year-old has missed Liverpool’s last five Premier League matches, and his absence has clearly been felt.
The Reds lost four of those games, keeping just one clean sheet against Aston Villa.
Prior to his injury, Liverpool had won five of their opening six league games with their number one between the sticks.
Thankfully, Arne Slot gave an Alisson update earlier this month and confirmed he would be back after the international break.
He said: “Alisson for sure. And I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well because we play from November until March!
“But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest. But with Alisson, we expect this, yes.”