Liverpool have a decision to make regarding Alisson Becker’s future. This comes despite the club triggering an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months earlier this year.
Alisson’s Injury Record a Concern
Alisson’s consistent availability has been a problem for Liverpool. The Brazil international has been hampered primarily by recurring hamstring issues.
He was injured or ill for 18 of Liverpool’s 50 Premier League and Champions League matches this season – 36% of the combined total. He also missed 28% last term and 27% of the top-flight games alone the previous campaign.
Given Alisson is one of the finest goalkeepers in the game, that is a significant time to be without such a key player. Inevitably, it was going to disrupt Liverpool at some point.
Contrasting Reports on Alisson’s Future
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Alisson’s intentions. Italian outlet Tuttosport claims Alisson has agreed a three-year deal with Juventus.
However, WinWin.com has suggested the goalkeeper has decided to stay at Liverpool.
To be fair, the 33-year-old didn’t exactly have the demeanour of someone who was going to follow Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out the door when taking part in the traditional end-of-season lap of appreciation.
Goalkeeper Debate Intensified
Alisson Becker was back between the sticks after 10 games out with a hamstring problem. He brought an additional sense of calm to the rearguard that understandably isn’t quite there yet when Giorgi Mamardashvili is in goal, with a superb close-range save to deny Brentford goalscorer Kevin Schade in the first half and an overall composed performance.
The performance of Alisson’s former understudy Caoimhin Kelleher for Brentford on Sunday further intensified the debate over whether Mamardashvili is quite.
Liverpool can realistically ill afford to lose another strong personality in the dressing room.
The song’s chief message that everything is going to be alright seemed more the supporters reassuring each other – and possibly the players also – that matters will surely improve next season following a tortuous and emotionally-draining campaign.