Liverpool star Alisson Becker is definitive prototype for the new era.
So much has already been written and recorded regarding Alisson’s talents between the posts, it becomes almost an exercise in redundancy to continue. However, it must be reiterated here just how special this young man is.
Alisson Becker, Brazilian ace and Liverpool star man, is the definitive prototype for the new era football. Labeled ‘O Goleiro Gato’ (cat-like goalkeeper) in the Brazilian press, Alisson has sparkled and excited imaginations in the football world and media since his arrival at Roma from Internacionale in 2016.
He won the golden glove in the Premier League in his first season at Liverpool with 22 clean sheets.
Italian goalie coach Roberto Negrisolo has held him in high regard and has been quoted as saying he is the ‘Messi’ of keepers and has the same quality and ability to dominate his position in much the same fashion that the Argentine super footballer has done over the course of his career.
Negrisolo has compared him to such greats as Dino Zoff and Michael Preud’homme. The comparisons in the footballing world do not stop there, he has been a-likened with current greats Manuel Neur, and his own idol Victor Valdez.
He is indeed the complete sweeper-keeper; extremely confident in his area, his agility and quickness, grace and finesse for a man his size at 6’3” and 220lbs (99kg or 15st 7) make him a hugely imposing figure for opposing forwards, attacking wingers and midfielders.
His vision in delivering forward passes to the wings and midfield, with his hands or feet quickly and accurately downfield, make him a dangerous starting point for break-out relentless assaults against unsuspecting defenses.
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Alisson has incredibly quick reactions in goal and often makes saves that are phenomenal. He has the quickness afoot to get off his line for aerial clearances or closing down on ambitious advancing forwards or wingers inside the box. His saves with his feet and fingertip saves are indeed often breathtaking.
Liverpool finally have found them a keeper that can fill the shoes of Pepe Reina, the last great keeper in a Liverpool shirt before the arrival of Alisson.
The Brazilian is destined to go down in Liverpool history with legends Ray Clements and Bruce Grobbelaar, Alisson is in his prime at 27 and many records are certain to fall in his wake, should he remain fit and in the Reds side.
Since the stinging defeat in Champions League in Kiev, Alisson has brought consistency and phenomenal numbers (clean sheets) to a Liverpool side that was considered extremely porous at the back in defense the past two campaigns before his most timely arrival.
An uncharacteristic injury before the half of the first game against Norwich City saw him out ’til October and an issue in February saw him miss the all important second leg of the Champions League Atletico tie at Anfield in mid March.
Adrian proved to be a competent replacement keeper for the nine fixtures Allie would miss in the fall, but it’s clear the defense feels it when he is absent. Further illustrated by Adrian’s lapses in the extra time period in the Atletico tie before the pandemic shutdown.
Bobby McMahon of Forbes, made the case for Alisson being player of the year in a February article outlining his immense importance to Liverpool and their phenomenal success since his arrival.
Liverpool have the best shot-stopper in the world currently. He’s already accomplished and awarded for his athleticism, Alisson has made 55 starts and has an amazing 30 clean sheets to his credit.
Two goals stand out in my mind from last season, both of which Alisson was instrumental in. The first, the tremendously placed over the top pass to Mohamed Salah against arch rivals Manchester United, and the second; the best goal of the season for me.
Alisson hit an outlet pass from Alisson to Trent Alexander-Arnold which saw the outstanding right-back pass 60 plus yards clear across field down the left flank to a streaking freight train in the form of Andrew Robertson, who, without breaking stride brought the ball down and fielded a left footed, incredibly delicious peach of a cross to the incoming Salah in the center of the box at the penalty spot.
Four passes that took less time than it takes to tell a mere few seconds from Alisson’s foot to find the net. Particularly brilliant.