Alisson has finished his debut campaign at Anfield with a Golden Glove that has clutched European silverware – in the words of former Reds goalkeeper, Chris Kirkland: “He’s brilliant”.
After leaving his role as goalkeeping coach at Liverpool Women in March of this year, Kirkland is now focusing on running his own ‘keeping academy, but, like all of us, fully-praised our Brazilian stopper.
“I didn’t see too much of him at Roma, but when he came here I watched him closely, watched training a few times,” Kirkland revealed to the official club website.
“This was near the start of the season and he’s got better as the season has gone on.
“That is credit to the goalkeeper coaches – John Achterberg in particular – and the goalkeeper unit.”
That unit uncludes the rarely-seen Simon Mignolet, who has been somewhat more comfotable about being displaced by Alisson than he was by the error-prone Loris Karius.
“Simon deserves a lot of credit because it’s tough for him,” Kirkland admitted.
“But he’s pushed Alisson, knowing that if he didn’t perform then Simon would be back in – and the other ‘keepers as well. That unit is brilliant.”
As a ‘keeper’s coach, it’s good to hear Kirkland talk about our stoppers as a unit; the goalkeepers’ union sticks together between the sticks and Mignolet has shown incredible professionalism.
The time has probably come for the Belgian to finally leave Anfield this summer and have his desire for first-time football fulfilled.
With a 26-year-old Alisson in the net, the Reds will be able to count on his unbelievable abilities for the long-term.