Alisson has proven he is still at the top of the table despite missing 17 games – Liverpool FC

Alisson may have had to take over the top spot for longer than we would have liked, but he has nonetheless reminded us why he is one of the best.

The Brazilian has had a mix of outstanding performances and disappointing injuries in 2023/24, a setback that has ruled him out at one of the most important stages of the season.

It wasn’t the first time United were forced to miss out on a number one, and Caoimhin Kelleher did his best to ensure he wasn’t missed too much, but Alisson will be hoping his bad luck is behind him.

Nonetheless, he showed why he is the best in the world at what he does.

Doing exceptional work

Liverpool’s No.1 has come to the rescue of his team time and time again, and his sheer brilliance can make goalkeepers look effortless.

For proof, look no further than his world-class save against Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park. The Newcastle player had considerable power in his shot from 15 yards, but Alisson still denied him.

Most goalkeepers would have had a hard time touching the ball, never mind stopping it. He did something similar at Crystal Palace when he returned from his first injury late in the season.

In total, he managed 28 Premier League outings, his fewest since joining Anfield in 2018, but still finished the campaign with the highest save percentage in the competition.

According to FotMob, the 31-year-old had a save percentage of 73.5, higher than Alphonse Areola (72.3%), Andre Onana (72%) and Jordan Pickford (70.3%).

He has conceded 30 league goals (an average of 1.07 goals per game), an improvement on last season when he was protected more effectively than the previous season.

Alisson still showed the difference. This isn’t a weapon every team can rely on when the going gets tough. But that doesn’t mean the Brazilian hasn’t had his low points.

rough patches

Illness and two injuries, including a serious hamstring strain in training, have sidelined Alisson for a total of 17 games.

His longest and most recent absence came shortly after the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, as he was involved in a nasty mess with Virgil van Dijk, so he may not have wanted to sit out for too long.

A lack of communication between the two cost the Reds a big loss and instead of opening an eight-point gap over the Gunners, they invited them back into the title race.

Alisson is vulnerable to minor mistakes like this, which usually happen when he has the ball, but the number of times he has shut Liverpool down ensures he has plenty of credit in the bank.

When the 31-year-old returned to the team against Crystal Palace, he did not inject the magic touch needed to get the team back at home, but by that point most of the damage had already been done.

Consistency is needed in the XI to win the title and hopefully Alisson can be a consistent figure in the XI once again as the Reds look to build something new under Arne Slot.

Despite the interest, a new chapter

Alisson has consistently been name-checked as a player Saudi Arabian clubs would like to lure them away from, but Liverpool hold a strong bargaining chip should it be released this summer.

The number one, contracted until 2027, is understood to be ‘very happy’ on Merseyside and is not pushing for a move despite significant changes to the club’s goalkeeping department.

He’s one player Liverpool don’t want to see lose anytime soon. He is a very valuable player and possesses qualities that few other players in his position have.

Slot will have no need to say such things and his side will be built around the pillar created by Jurgen Klopp, with Alisson at the heart of it.

Best moment: Stupid save on Almiron’s shot at Newcastle.

Worst moment: A disaster between himself and Van Dijk at Arsenal.

Roles for next season: Definitely number one.