Alisson has insisted his ambitious ball-playing approach is essential to his game, and a key factor in why he has “fitted perfectly in” at Liverpool.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a perfect start to life on Merseyside, keeping clean sheets in each of his three competitive outings so far.
His most recent came in a difficult 1-0 win over Brighton last weekend, with a late save to deny Pascal Gross ensuring the three points for his new side.
Another individual moment caught the eye that Saturday, however, with Alisson deftly chipping the ball over the head of Anthony Knockaert with the Seagulls midfielder advancing.
It was a heart-stopping moment for Jurgen Klopp, but the goalkeeper has warned this won’t change as he continues to provide Liverpool with another outlet at the back:
“It is already calculated. I take risks. Fans with heart problems have to be careful!
“But on the pitch, as I said before, I do not try to make of fun of a rival.
“It’s not to show that I can do this or that, but to help the team. It is to achieve targets.
“I make a dribble or a simple pass, knowing that if I lose the ball near the area the opponent can score.
“I am aware of what I do on the pitch, but I always do it to help the team. That’s why occasionally I also boot the ball into the stands.”
Alisson is already settled at Liverpool, aided by the presence of fellow Brazilian duo Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, along with Alberto Moreno.
He attributes this, and a progressive style of play that is improved on that of former club Roma, to his ability to contribute heavily at the back:
“I have fitted perfectly in the team and in the team’s style of play.
“[Liverpool] like [the goalkeeper] to participate in the offensive phase and in shaping the game from the back.
“It gives me a lot of confidence to play with my feet and I have to be focused for 90 minutes. It has similar characteristics to the [Brazil national team].
“In Rome I was already trying to help in shaping the game but the style was a little bit different to what we do at Liverpool.
“I am very happy to be in this great club, with players of great quality and within the pitch they are showing a lot of confidence in me.
“I feel confident to do that here.”
With Loris Karius departing on a two-year loan to Besiktas, there is big pressure on Alisson to perform as Liverpool’s only sweeper-keeper.
This is imperative to Klopp’s front-footed system, and though he may need to endure his moments of magic at the back the manager is clearly cherishing the arrival of his No. 13.
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