Why goalkeeping genius Alisson will be Liverpool's most important player of 2024
So, kicking off 2024 top of the Premier League was a scenario that not even the most optimistic Liverpool fans would have envisaged in pre-season.
Forced to deal with a summer exodus, let alone the hammer blow of missing out on Jude Bellingham, and the assumption was Jurgen Klopp's primary target for 2023/24 would be a return to the top four. Instead, his side have defied odds - and defensive vulnerability - and find themselves firmly in the mix for the title.
How they deal with Mo Salah's AFCON related absence in January could prove pivotal to their chances, and so could the notion of Darwin Nunez turning undoubted potential and all-round play into clinical finishing in front of goal. But for all the talk of Liverpool's attacking play, it is their stalwart between the sticks who now holds the key.
Alisson Becker remains the most accomplished goalkeeper in England's top flight. His range of passing may not quite rival Ederson's, and at the Etihad pre-Christmas he played with the air of an individual who had stumbled straight from an aeroplane onto a football field - but the Brazilian's reliability remains unparalleled.
The Reds will continue to give away chances. The injury to Joel Matip, the crisis at left-back, the tendency of Trent Alexander-Arnold to go wandering when he's not producing Maradona like magic, and of course, Klopp's love of his team pouring forward - all can be cited as reasons for opposition teams to expose Liverpool.
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More than often this season though, and previously, they've been thwarted by Alisson. The 31-year-old's prowess when in a one-on-one situation is now such, that you now consider it a surprise if he concedes.
Alisson is crucial to Liverpool's Premier League title chances (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Alisson the Premier League's best ever goalkeeper? Comment below.
The Reds can continue to play with jeopardy for as long as their No.1 maintains form and fitness. His recent injury absence exposed the reality that Caoimhin Kelleher, previously considered high class back-up, is anything but ready to challenge the Brazilian for a regular spot.
Indeed, it will only be when the ex-Roma man leaves Merseyside that his impact is truly realised. Nostalgists will point towards the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Petr Cech - but Alisson's consistency puts him firmly in the debate when discussing the Premier League's best ever player to don gloves.
Liverpool can win the Premier League, they should win the Europa League, and they will be a force when back in the Champions League next season. Providing that is, Alisson is at his best.
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