Alisson Becker Talks Last-Minute Saves, Derby Wins, And The Title Challange

Pundits, players, managers, and writers (including yours truly) are simply running out of superlatives for Liverpool’s new goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Longest unbeaten streak for a new signing? Check. A historically low 6 goals conceded through 16 league games? Check. Earning multiple points already? Check. Saving our Champions League campaign? Check and check.

How good has Alisson been? Arsenal fans are still celebrating scoring one goal, an equalizer, at home.

And of course, there’s the small matter of his mid-week Champions League heroics.

“A save at the end of the game is always great and you feel you have contributed to the game,” Alisson said to The Times in an interview.

”Of course, an important save in the first minute is as important as a save in the last minute but for the fans it’s the closest thing to scoring a goal in the last minute, like we did in the derby against Everton.”

Not even half a season in, and already some veteran trolling of the Bitters. Unluckyyyy, Blues.

“But I only managed to make that save with the help of my team-mates’ contribution and thank God we got the victory,” He added.

While the Merseyside Derby is a special one, especially to the local supporters, the upcoming derby against Manchester United is the biggest in English football. And Alisson thinks he’s ready for the challenge.

“The two clubs I played for previously, Internacional and Roma, they had two major derbies so I’m used to derbies and, worldwide, the Liverpool-United rivalry is well known.

“We were very familiar with it in Brazil, more aware of it than of the Liverpool and Everton rivalry given the size of the two clubs, but knowing about it and experiencing it are two different things. I can’t wait to experience it and some beautiful football.

“It’s a really important game in terms of our aspirations to win the title. We need the win, we will have the support to do that and to continue with our excellent trajectory.”

Well, if beautiful football is to be showcased tomorrow, it’ll be coming from the lads in Red and not in light salmon pink.

Kloppo hasn’t had the best luck against the Mancs since his arrival, failing to beat them in the league so far, despite some dominant performances. However, this is far and away his best Liverpool side, with far and away the best defense, including Alisson. And Liverpool have bigger fish to fry: namely the other and better team from Manchester, who would love to see us drop points.

Liverpool’s talent, front to back, should be more than enough to see them capture all three points against United, hopefully without last-gasp dramatics.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com