There are certain players you simply appreciate more when they aren’t there.
For Liverpool supporters, Alisson Becker is one of them.
And after another outstanding performance in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, I think it is time we start talking about something very important.
Liverpool need to give Alisson a new contract.
Not next summer.
Not when his current deal is approaching its final few months.
Start the conversation now.
Because at 33 years of age, Alisson looks like he is back to his absolute best.
Another game-winning save
Liverpool weren’t at their best against Bournemouth.
The attacking play was frustrating at times, the Reds struggled to create consistently and Bournemouth caused problems in the opening stages.
But when Liverpool needed their goalkeeper, Alisson was there.
The Brazilian produced an excellent save from Evanilson’s near-post flick in the first half, preventing Bournemouth from taking the lead.
And that save is part of a pattern developing this season.
Think back to the victory over Ipswich.
Alisson was called upon when Liverpool needed him and helped secure another clean sheet as Iraola’s side claimed their first Premier League victory of the season.
Then came Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
Liverpool fell behind and Alisson had to produce a superb stop from Julián Alvarez’s dangerous effort shortly after Atlético had taken the lead.
And now Bournemouth.
Three difficult moments. Three occasions where Liverpool needed Alisson to stand up.
That is what the very best goalkeepers do.
He is giving Liverpool a platform
One of the most encouraging aspects of Iraola’s Liverpool so far has actually been the improvement in defensive solidity.
The Reds have now kept another clean sheet and are becoming increasingly capable of grinding out results when the football isn’t perfect.
Alisson is a huge part of that.
A goalkeeper can completely change the complexion of a match.
If your goalkeeper makes the save when the opposition gets through, suddenly your defenders have more confidence.
If your goalkeeper commands his box, distributes well and produces the spectacular when required, the entire team benefits.
And that is exactly what Liverpool are getting from Alisson again.
He isn’t just stopping shots. He’s giving this team belief.
For me, he is still the best in the Premier League
This is where I know some supporters will disagree.
That’s fine.
But for me, when Alisson is fit and playing at his best, there isn’t a goalkeeper in the Premier League I’d swap him for.
His shot-stopping is exceptional.
His one-on-one ability is exceptional.
His distribution is exceptional.
His composure under pressure is exceptional.
And there is something else that statistics can never fully capture.
He makes saves at the moments Liverpool need them most.
That’s been the story of his Liverpool career.
And we’re seeing it again.
He’s 33 – that’s young for a goalkeeper
There is sometimes a perception that 33 means a goalkeeper is approaching the end.
I don’t see it that way at all.
Goalkeepers can play at the highest level well into their thirties, and Alisson still looks capable of giving Liverpool several more seasons at the top.
Liverpool currently have him contracted until 2027 after the club exercised an extension option earlier this year.
That should not be viewed as the finish line.
It should be the opportunity to make sure there isn’t one.
Give him another three years.
Let him stay at Anfield until 2029 or 2030.
Yes, there have been injury concerns and there has been speculation about his future, including reported interest from Juventus.
But if Alisson is fit and performing like this, Liverpool should be doing everything possible to keep him.
Mamardashvili is not the reason to move Alisson on
Liverpool have Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings, and that is a fantastic position for the club to be in.
But having a talented goalkeeper ready to challenge for the position doesn’t mean you have to push your world-class goalkeeper out of the door.
Quite the opposite.
Make them compete.
Make Mamardashvili learn from one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
Let Alisson continue to be the No.1 while the club manages the transition naturally whenever that day eventually arrives.
There is absolutely no reason to rush it.
Please, Liverpool – give him that three-year deal
Liverpool have spent huge money rebuilding this squad.
They have brought in exciting attacking talent.
They have invested in the future.
They are trying to build a new era under Andoni Iraola.
But sometimes the most important decisions are about keeping the players you already have.
Alisson is one of those players.
At 33, he is back making the saves that win football matches.
He made the difference against Ipswich.
He produced when Liverpool needed him against Atlético.
And against Bournemouth, he was there again.
The defence is beginning to look more reliable.
Iraola is slowly building his foundations.
And behind it all is one of the best goalkeepers Liverpool have ever had.
So please, Liverpool. Give Alisson a new three-year contract.
Because if he continues playing like this, the last thing Liverpool should be thinking about is replacing him.
They should be thinking about how long they can keep him.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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