Alisson Becker simply could not have done much more for Liverpool last season to earn himself a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Liverpool’s ‘Holy Goalie’ was absolutely phenomenal between the sticks, enabling The Reds to play an ambitiously high line .
And yet, as the nominations trickled through on Friday night, Alisson was notable only by his absence.
The 29-year-old was revealed to be on the shortlist for the Yashin Trophy honouring the best goalkeeper, but that’s not the point. His performances during 2021/22 deserved the wider recognition of being among the best in world football.
Looking back on a remarkable season
It’s likely that it won’t bother Alisson too much to have been overlooked for a nomination. Individual awards in football are notorious for favouring attacking players. It would take something truly special for a goalkeeper to come out on top.
But that’s the thing, Alisson was special last season. Not only did he claim a second Premier League Golden Glove award, but he shone in perhaps the highest defensive line in football history.
Liverpool consistently played what other teams might deem as being kamikaze football. At times it was hard to watch as teams sprung The Reds offside trap.
But then you remembered that they’d still have to get past Alisson in the goal. The Brazilian turned saving one-on-one’s into an artform. Never have supporters felt so safe with a forward bearing down on goal with only one to beat.
Others may have taken the headlines, but make no mistake, Alisson Becker was Liverpool’s player of the season. Even Gary Neville said he was ‘unbelievable.’
Courtois puts Alisson in the shade in Paris
Despite his brilliant season, Alisson was outshone by the brilliant Thibaut Courtois in the Champions League final.
Maybe that was simply because Liverpool peppered Real Madrid’s goalie with shots, though. It’s easier to look good when you’ve got something to do every few minutes.
As a result, it will be Courtois who wins the Yashin Trophy. The 30-year-old also made the final three for UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year. And yes, you guessed it, he found himself on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist too.
The only other goalkeeper to make the final list was AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. Maignan is a terrific ‘keeper who had a great season, but better than Alisson? Come on.
Liverpool’s big Brazilian will no doubt be delighted for his six teammates who did make the cut, as well as Sadio Mane.
But he’d be right to feel a little aggrieved that his consistent excellence last season hasn’t been more widely recognised.
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