Davis: “Alisson makes match-winning saves because that’s what elite goalkeepers do” | OneFootball

Alisson Becker Back to Best as Liverpool See Off Bournemouth

Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium reaffirmed their position at the top of the Premier League, with Alisson Becker proving once again why he is one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. On The Daily Red podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Grizz Khan broke down the performance, focusing on Alisson’s crucial saves and his gradual return to peak form.

Patience Pays Off: Alisson Finds His Rhythm

There were murmurs of concern over Alisson Becker’s form following his return from injury, but as Grizz Khan pointed out, it was always a matter of time. “We know Alisson does take a few games to get back into rhythm after a long layoff. He’s a big fella, there’s a lot of him, you know. It takes a few games to get back.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Brazilian looked assured throughout, commanding his box and producing two outstanding saves to deny Bournemouth an equaliser. “There are two saves that are just out of this world,” Dave Davis remarked, highlighting a key moment in the second half where Alisson denied Luis Sinisterra. “He plays a lovely one-two, reverse pass, and he’s clean through… brilliant.”

Grizz was quick to dismiss the idea that Liverpool were fortunate to have Alisson in goal: “I hate this notion that we were lucky because Alisson saved them. No—we are lucky to have Alisson in our team! A goalkeeper’s primary job is to save goals, so if Alisson saved goals for Liverpool, that’s not luck, that’s part of the game.”

Match-Winning Saves and the Alisson Effect

What sets Alisson apart is not just his shot-stopping ability but his influence on opposition attackers. Grizz explained how the presence of Liverpool’s number one forces strikers into split-second overthinking: “Alisson has this effect on forwards and attackers where they feel they have to be so precise and accurate with their finish because they think anything else will be saved. That puts doubt in their head and their mind—and long may it continue.”

Dave Davis echoed this sentiment: “Even when there’s a double deflection, the way he reacts, gets down, reaches under his body—it’s elite goalkeeping.”

Alisson’s form is coming back at a crucial time in the season, with Liverpool nine points clear at the top and a packed fixture schedule ahead. As Davis put it: “He likes his barbecue, and it takes him a few games… but he is well and truly back.”

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Stability and a Tactical Masterclass

It wasn’t just Alisson who impressed. Virgil van Dijk marshalled the backline with authority, ensuring Liverpool remained composed against a high-intensity Bournemouth attack. “It all starts with our captain, our leader, a rock at the back—Virgil van Dijk,” Grizz noted.

Arne Slot’s tactical adjustments also played a key role. As the podcast highlighted, Ryan Gravenberch’s positioning was crucial in helping Trent Alexander-Arnold deal with the dangerous Milos Kerkez. “Arne Slot even mentioned it post-match—Gravenberch was brought in to deal with Kerkez’s energy and pace down that side,” Davis explained.

Liverpool’s discipline ensured Bournemouth never got a foothold in the game. “They were good, they played well, but we were just better, more composed,” Grizz summarised. “In the end, our leaders, our big boys, stood up and were counted.”

Focus Shifts to the Cup

With Liverpool’s league form looking imperious, attention now turns to the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham. “I want to reach the final. I want Slot to have a day out at Wembley,” Grizz declared. “I do really want to smash Spurs and turn this around.”

With Alisson Becker back to his best, Liverpool are in a strong position to continue their charge across all competitions. As Dave Davis summed up: “Nine points clear, elite players stepping up, Alisson looking unbeatable again… we are well and truly touching that trophy now.”