‘They do it because of him’: Shearer says Liverpool play the way they do because of one ‘top class’ player

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Alan Shearer had nothing but praise for Alisson Becker on Saturday after a match-winning performance for Liverpool. The Brazilian has at least one spectacular moment.

Liverpool are into the FA Cup final – their first since 2012 and only their fourth of the 21st century. It’s also far and away the best Jurgen Klopp has done in the competition, having never actually made it past the fifth round before.

He has done now, though, and Liverpool’s hopes of further glory are stronger than ever. They’ve got plenty of players to thank for that, too.

Sadio Mané rightly took the headlines as he scored two brilliant goals, earning plaudits in the process. Ibrahima Konate, too, caught the eye with a magnificent opener.

That pair helped Liverpool race into a 3-0 halftime lead against Manchester City. The second half didn’t quite go the same way, however, and Pep Guardiola’s side rallied to find two goals.

And that’s why Alan Shearer picked out Alisson Becker as a difference-maker for Liverpool. The Brazilian pulled off a fantastic save against Gabriel Jesus in the second half that, ultimately, swung the game for the Reds.

“Alisson, in that second half, pulled two saves off – one very good, one superb one-v-one with Jesus,” he told BBC Sport. “And that’s what turned out to be the difference.”

The Alisson effect at Liverpool

Shearer believes that moment was actually a fine example of Liverpool’s high line, though. The Reds take incredible risks with how far they step up the pitch, allowing teams the chance to play in behind.

Now, they primarily try to stop it with their pressing but that doesn’t always work – especially against a team as good as City. Shearer, though, feels Alisson is brilliant enough that Liverpool are willing to take those risks, with a defensive shield waiting in front of goal.

“We spoke about the high line of Liverpool and the reason why they trust that high line is because if they get through it, they’ve got a top-class goalkeeper to beat,” he said.

“The number of times we’ve talked about the risk and the chances that teams have created. Yes, they have done that but they’ve had to face him.

“And he is a top-class goalkeeper. They do it because of him.”

It’s absolutely right. Much in the same way that Liverpool push the full-backs on because their midfielders cover or that they will go long because the wingers are so quick. Alisson changes the way Jurgen Klopp can set up his side.

And we saw the proof of that today.