It was a timely reminder from Alisson that despite the plaudits for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this season, the Brazilian is still one of - if not the - best goalkeepers in world football. However, Arne Slot could have a problem to fix next term when Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives at Anfield looking for Alisson’s number one spot between the sticks.
Liverpool agreed on a package worth £25million with Valencia for Mamardashvili in the summer, with the 24-year-old being touted as a star for the future. And former favourite of the Kop Mark Lawrenson believes he’ll be Slot’s starting keeper by the time next season gets underway.
Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “I have this feeling that the reason Liverpool have brought in Giorgi Mamardashvili is because Alisson is going to leave in the summer. I have a feeling that he’ll want to leave, which will leave Caoimhin Kelleher and Mamardashvili fighting for the number one spot.
“Alisson is now 32 years old, so I think he’ll be looking for one final big payday before he retires. Every team in the world will want Alisson, so if Liverpool can get big money for him, then it works for all parties.”
It would certainly be a turn up for the books considering just how crucial Alisson has proved himself to be, not only in mid-week, but throughout Liverpool’s first season under Slot. What’s more, Alisson will still boast two years left on his contract by the time the season comes to an end - something that could work in both parties’ favour.
If Lawrenson is right and the plan is to parachute Mamardashvili straight in as number one, Liverpool could still demand a hefty fee for Alisson, with the shot-stopper unlikely to be short on suitors. Conversely, Alisson will be under little pressure to decide his next move, considering he’ll still be earning a pretty penny on his existing Liverpool contract and will back himself to perform at the highest level. It’s a decision Slot will have to make as he looks to ensure his side are in the safest possible hands.