Robbie Fowler cautious over Alisson

Robbie Fowler is taking a cautious approach and managing his expectations when it comes to Liverpool’s new No 1 goalkeeper Alisson.

Fowler has called for patience and believes the Brazilian goalkeeper will need time to settle in at his new home.

Fowler said the following in his Mirror column : “Everyone knows Liverpool’s weakness has been the goalkeeping position. That came back to haunt them with the mistakes of Loris Karius in the Champions League final.

“Signing , Brazil’s World Cup keeper – who is joined by fellow Brazilian Fabinho – puts down a marker.

“Alisson is undoubtedly a world class player, but the Premier League is tough. There will be times when he will make mistakes.

“David De Gea took time to settle at Manchester United before becoming recognised as a great goalkeeper.”

READ: Jurgen Klopp provides update on potential transfer outgoings 

Credit: Liverpool Football Club

READ: Jurgen Klopp admits there is pressure on his team to deliver silverware this season 

Fowler did go on to say that Liverpool had no choice but to sign Alisson after the alarming form of Loris Karius.

“Alisson’s signing was urgently needed. Liverpool have stood by Karius over the summer and pre-season, but the new campaign was always going to be brutal for the German,” said Fowler.

“He would have got huge stick and that not only places extra pressure on him, but on the whole club. So to go out and spend big on a star keeper is great for everyone connected with Anfield, the fans included.

“He’s been spared it now, but the pressure on Karius would surely have been intense once the season started. He has even been getting stick in pre-season games.”

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Loris Karius of Liverpool reacts after letting in a second goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 11, 2018 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Fowler likes what Liverpool have done in the summer transfer window, but he believes it will be difficult for Klopp’s men to overtake Manchester City.

“Like everyone at Liverpool, I’m excited at the club paying out a world-record fee for a goalkeeper – but let’s not get carried away believing the long wait to win the title is over,” said Fowler.

“Yes, Alisson is world class. It’s a strong statement of intent and Reds fans are buzzing. But Manchester City are still the team to catch.

“I’m thrilled at Liverpool’s spending during the summer, bringing in Alisson, Fabinho, and Naby Keita.

“But City finished 25 points clear of Liverpool when they won the Premier League title in May. It would take a huge swing to turn that round.

“So I don’t think anyone associated with Liverpool can come out and say: ‘Yes, we’re going to win the Premier League’ with any great confidence.

“I believe they will put more pressure on City, but Liverpool are still playing catch-up. It’s the same for every other team in the Premier League.

“We have to be realistic. That points difference is massive.”

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