An outrageous piece of skill from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was caught on camera during training yesterday.
As seen on the Liverpool FC Twitter page, Alisson saved a long-range Virgil Van Dijk effort with a sensational scorpion-kick save.
Watching Van Dijk’s effort drift over his head and into the goal, Alisson flicked his right leg behind his back to clear the ball away. It may be training, but not too many ‘keepers could pull of such a piece of nonchalance.
The kick, made famous by legendary Colombian stopper Rene Higuita, is notoriously difficult to perfect. It may not have been as flying as Higuita’s effort, but it was impressive all the same.
Alisson perfecting a new move?
It’s worth remembering sometimes that Alisson isn’t built the same as other goalkeepers. He is a Brazilian after all.
Although he doesn’t always get the chance to show it, he does possess the kind of skill and poise that’s often associated with football from his country.
We’ve seen that at times with his willingness to take attacking players on. It can leave supporters with hearts in mouths, but Alisson generally gets away with the odd piece of skill.
Besides, he should be allowed that little bit of freedom from time to time. The 29-year-old does the ‘basics’ of goalkeeping just about as well as anyone else on the planet. If he wants to take a risk with the ball here and there, that should be encouraged.
As long as he doesn’t start attempting scorpion kicks every game, we should let him have his fun.
You wouldn’t put it past Alisson though would you. He goes where other ‘keepers daren’t. It would be fitting if the only goalie in the history of the Premier League to score a winning goal started with a new daring signature save. As Gary Neville said, he’s ‘unbelievable’ after all.
Perhaps that may seem farfetched. But Alisson really isn’t like other ‘keepers, don’t be surprised to see him try something spectacular in a game in the near future. We’ve been warned.
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