Liverpool Women’s Goalkeeping Coach Praises Alisson Becker

Alisson Becker had the best debut season of any Liverpool since...well, since Mohamed Salah last season. The Brazilian keeper closed the door on his first season at Merseyside with a Champions League medal and the Premier League Golden Glove. He only allowed in 22 goals in the league, and was universally acknowledged as well worth the high fee it took to pry him away from Roma.

Chris Kirkland, who was working as a goalkeeping coach for the Liverpool Women when Alisson arrived at Melwood, said Alisson’s quality was immediately evident in training.

“He’s brilliant,” Kirkland told the official site. “I didn’t see too much of him at Roma, but when he came here I watched him closely, watched training a few times.

”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.”

The most exciting thing about Alisson is that he’s only 26-years-old, which means that his best goalkeeping years are ahead of him, and they’re all Liverpool’s.

Kirkland also took the time to give due credit to Simon Mignolet. Though the Reds’ former first choice keeper had very few opportunities last season, his professionalism and dedication to the club remained unimpeachable.

“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.”

Mignolet’s future is unknown, but people at the club seem unanimous in their praise for him. With Alisson between the sticks for the foreseeable future, it’s hard to see how any other player in the world can begin to challenge him.

Liverpool’s longstanding shot stopping deficiency has been, it appears, thoroughly filled, thanks to Alisson’s capable hands.