Jamie Carragher has raved about Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the build-up to tonight’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
Speaking with The Athletic about the potential for a comeback, the Sky Sports pundit suggested the Reds have one of the world’s best keepers, despite the mistake he made which led to a crucial goal in the first leg.
“You need some luck along the way. You need your keeper to make big saves at big moments and your attackers to be clinical,” said Carragher.
“Real had some good fortune in the first leg at Anfield. Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world with the ball at his feet, but he gave them a goal at a pivotal stage of the game.
“You’ve got to embrace playing at the Bernabeu. It’s an amazing arena. A special place to play football. Get the first goal, stay calm, stay disciplined and stay in the tie for as long as possible.”
Carragher full of praise for Alisson
As Liverpool’s player of the season thus far, there’s no way Alisson can take any blame for the loss against Madrid at Anfield.
Without the Brazilian, the Reds would be nowhere near where they are in the Premier League table – and they certainly wouldn’t have made it to the last-16 of the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently sixth in the English top-flight with 42 points from 26 matches.
Thankful to the 30-year-old, Liverpool have only conceded 29 goals. This is in spite of disastrous defensive displays, where the back-line have crumbled on numerous occasions.
Without Alisson’s saves, the club would be in the bottom half of the table – nowhere near challenging for a spot in the top-four.
Therefore, Liverpool will need the keeper at the top of his game if they are to pick anything up this season.