Liverpool’s goalkeeping dilemma has been well documented over the last few years. Simon Mignolet, simply put, hasn’t been good enough, whilst Loris Karius has been vilified by pundits and fan alike for his inconsistent, mistake-ridden form. Certainly, in the case of Karius, there is a decent goalkeeper in there somewhere, but Jurgen Klopp just hasn’t been able to find it yet.
Naturally, then, it will come as no surprise to learn of Liverpool’s apparent interest in signing a new goalkeeper, with Alisson of Roma a target for the club. The Brazilian enjoyed a brilliant campaign in Serie A last season, and he has now emerged as one of Europe’s best, and he’d certainly help stop the club shipping so many goals.
However, whilst the Reds have been leaking goals as a result of their goalkeeping situation, the recruitment of a player like Alisson could have far-reaching consequences beyond simply increasing the number of clean sheets.
Indeed, there are a few players within the Liverpool squad that are likely desperate for the Brazilian to join, as he could have a direct impact on how well they do in a red shirt as well.
Here are TWO players that would thrive if Alisson signs for Liverpool this summer…
Virgil van Dijk has had a sensational start to his Liverpool career, but there has always been a shred of doubt about the defence at Anfield. That’s not through any fault of his own, but rather, the uncertainty emanating from between the sticks has had a rather significant impact.
It must be difficult to defend without having full confidence in the player that is defending the goal behind you, and that will undoubtedly have had an impact on van Dijk’s form at Anfield.
With a solid, world-class option behind him, you’d expect his confidence to skyrocket, and at that point, the Dutchman could – somehow – get even better. You’d expect the likes of Dejan Lovren, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold to benefit, too.
Mohamed Salah may not be an obvious benefactor of a potential Alisson arrival, but the Brazilian could well be able to have a transformative impact on the Egyptian.
Salah is at his best when he’s driving at defences and counter-attacking, but that has been difficult with someone like Loris Karrius between the sticks. He’s simply too slow to react on the odd occasion that he does make a quick save, and that can often slow Liverpool’s offensive guile.
Alisson, meanwhile, is quick with his feet and eager to attack, meaning that Liverpool’s forward movement could be sped up significantly. As a result, Salah will get more opportunities to do what he does best – and that could lead to even further success for him.
