Kostas Tsimikas has hailed Alisson Becker as being a ‘world-class goalkeeper’.
The left-back made the comments whilst speaking to LFCTV GO after The Reds dispatched Norwich City 2-1 at Anfield.
Alisson made a great save in the final few minutes to avoid another extra-time period for Liverpool. Tsimikas has claimed this type of situation is what makes his teammate so good.
“Ali’s a world class goalkeeper, he always is in every game we play,” said Tsimikas.
“We didn’t concede this goal, that’s why we have Ali, for these situations, congratulations to him.”
A comfortable first-half saw Liverpool lead 2-0 at the break. But fatigue from last weekend’s 120 minute encounter with Chelsea looked to take hold.
Lukas Rupp pulled one back for Norwich with 15 minutes or so left. 18-year-old Jonathan Rowe then sent a stinging effort towards the top corner of Alisson’s goal in the final minutes.
Despite having nothing to do for much of the game, the Brazilian was equal to the shot and sent it over the bar for a corner.
The definition of world class.
No doubts over number one
It was a slightly unusual week for Alisson. First, he watched on from the bench as Liverpool collected a major trophy at Wembley on Sunday.
Then, last night, he made just his second ever appearance in the FA Cup behind a slightly makeshift Liverpool defence.
It probably isn’t something the 29-year-old will have to get used to, though.
Caoimhin Kelleher has rightly received huge praise for his performance on the big stage in the Carabao Cup final.
But there is no question that he remains firmly behind Alisson in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Whilst the Irishman does have great potential, he would do well ever to reach the level that we’ve seen from Alisson this season.
To the Brazilian’s credit too, he appeared genuinely delighted for his goalkeeping colleague on Sunday.
He didn’t sulk when being informed that he wouldn’t play in the final. Instead, he told Klopp of his delight that Kelleher had the chance to get his face on the goalkeeper’s mural at the AXA Training Ground.
It’s likely that Kelleher will resume his duties as the cup ‘keeper when the quarter-final rolls around in a couple of weeks.
But as it was in the Carabao Cup where the number one made some crucial interventions against Arsenal in the semi-final, Alisson has now made his mark on another competition too.
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