As has been the case far too often this season, Ibrahima Konate was the main offender in the concession of a goal against Liverpool on Saturday.
The centre-back failed to read Florentino Luis’ through-ball quickly enough, allowing Marcus Edwards to run off him and fire a low effort into the net completely unopposed.
Konate is set to leave Liverpool this summer having seen no breakthrough in talks over a new contract. His lapse in concentration against Burnley was another reason why supporters are ready to see him go.
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Arne Slot reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Oli Scarf/AFP)
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Oli Scarf/AFP
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But if Konate was the guiltiest of parties on Saturday, then goalkeeper Alisson Becker was not far behind. In years gone by, Alisson would have comfortably blocked Edwards’ effort, well struck though it was. This time, the Brazilian was a little slow to get down, seeing the ball fly underneath his left arm and into the corner.
The goal highlighted what has possibly become an overlooked feature of Liverpool’s season: Alisson appears to be in decline. With question marks over his future continuing, we could be seeing the limp end to a true Reds legend’s time at Anfield.
Alisson may be ready to leave Liverpool
Perhaps some will think it harsh to pin Edwards’ goal on Alisson. Every goalkeeper is beaten by shots across them from time to time, even if they are amongst the very best in the world.
But it is not only his shot-stopping which seems to be regressing slightly. Alisson’s kicking has also become a real problem for Liverpool of late.
Alisson Becker pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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The 33-year-old almost set up Ethan Ampadu for a long-range goal during the clash with Leeds after planting a botched clearance right to his feet.
He did the same again on Saturday, attempting an outside-of-the-boot pass which put Burnley on the attack in a dangerous area. This is not Liverpool’s biggest problem right now, but with those around him struggling, they could really do with Alisson standing firm.
There have been recent suggestions that Alisson will leave at the end of the season, and as galling as that sounds, signs are starting to creep in that the timing is right for a parting this summer.
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Hugo Ekitike tugs at his shorts in frustration after having a goal disallowed during Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger
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Where will Alisson go?
Losing Alisson is never going to be easy for Liverpool fans, even if he does show further signs of a decline setting in.
The Brazil international has arguably become the best goalkeeper in the club’s long history during his eight years as number one, and he is an incredibly popular figure on Merseyside.
However, that is exactly why it might be best for everyone to shake hands on an exit this summer. Injuries seem like they may have taken their toll on Alisson, and the last thing anyone wants is for the ‘holy goalie’ to begin looking mortal.
A better decision would be to quit while still resembling something close to the goalkeeper he will always be remembered as, and allow Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in next season.
Alisson has previously spoken about returning to Brazil with boyhood club Internacional while he still has a good amount of quality left, and that would feel like a poetic way for him to bow out of life at the top of European football. Saudi Arabia may come calling too, but a return home feels like the most likely outcome. Saying goodbye to legends has become commonplace at Liverpool recently, but this one is going to sting more than most.
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