Jürgen Klopp on Burnley, and Alisson’s Bold Approach

The arrival of Alisson Becker from AS Roma has changed the world for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp finally has a goalkeeper to anchor a title-challenging side. Liverpool’s start to the season has been excellent but not just for the attacking displays from Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané. Liverpool stand atop the Premier League clean sheet rankings with a total of nine this season.

Virgil van Dijk has had more than a little to do with Liverpool’s defensive resolution since his move to Merseyside last January, but having a world-class keeper behind the defense has elevated the Reds’ into the top tier of world football.

Klopp was asked about Alisson’s impact on Liverpool’s fortunes at his pre-Bournemouth press conference. The manager praised his keeper following Alisson’s midweek display in goal at Burnley.

“The best thing is not to talk about the goalkeeper,” said Klopp, “because then it means he didn’t make any mistakes. But after the last game, I think it’s not only that.

“Again, he had a big, big part in the game. I think after the game everybody saw that the goal Burnley scored should have been disallowed. It was a difficult decision I would say but it was offside.

“And then [Alisson] had both hands on the ball. We discussed already the different interpretations of rules but this rule, I think we all agree, means a goalie save.

“That’s one thing. The other thing is that he stayed in the game and when we were 2-1 up he made a brilliant save.

“And with the next ball – that’s his attitude, he doesn’t stand on his line or wait. He goes out and tips the ball a little bit, goes down and catches it and then counter attack.

“So, that’s a really exciting package the boy delivers. He’s helped us a lot, of course.”

Alisson’s naturally, proactive approach to his position is making all the difference for Liverpool’s full-throttle football. Whether Alisson is receiving a pass, making a save, or springing a counter attack, there’s an assuredness in the Brazilian goalkeeper’s play.

With Alisson between the sticks, Liverpool have the strongest foundation for winning silverware that they’ve had in some time.