Liverpool’s world-class shot-stopper is showing his best form again | OneFootball

Alisson’s Return to His Best Is Exactly What Liverpool Need

Alisson Becker has long been regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football, but recent performances suggest he is back at the very peak of his powers. The Stat Me Up podcast on Anfield Index, featuring Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter, explored just how crucial the Brazilian shot-stopper was in Liverpool’s latest victory. The numbers tell their own story—this was a masterclass in goalkeeping.

Shot-Stopping of the Highest Level

Few goalkeepers can command their area like Alisson, and his shot-stopping ability remains unmatched. Against Bournemouth, he made a string of vital saves, none more important than the one-on-one against Sinisterra. “That save from Sinisterra, one-on-one,” Davis highlighted, “just felt like elite Alisson was back.”

The underlying numbers support this. Dr Phil Barter explained that one of the key measures for goalkeepers is post-shot xG—the quality of the chance after the shot is taken. “If you look at that Sinisterra one, it started as a 0.52 xG chance, and by the time Alisson got to it, he brought it down to 0.04.” Essentially, what should have been a likely goal was turned into nothing by sheer brilliance.

Photo IMAGO

Alisson didn’t stop there. A crucial deflected effort near the near post saw him react instinctively. “That was a 0.3 post-shot xG, and he still managed to claw it out,” Barter noted. Three big chances were saved in total—an extraordinary display in a tight contest.

The Best in the World?

Liverpool have had some legendary goalkeepers, but few have reached Alisson’s level of consistency. While form fluctuates over a season, his recent performances have reinforced his reputation. Davis put it plainly: “This is not just ‘I’m better than the rest,’ this is ‘I’m the world’s best.’”

Barter echoed the sentiment, pointing out how rare it is for a goalkeeper to dominate in so many statistical categories. “Alisson saved three big chances in one game, plus key saves on rebounds. The numbers show that he is back at his absolute best.”

His ability to dictate a game is not just about reaction saves. The Brazilian was even winning aerial duels, an aspect of his game that often goes unnoticed. “He’s won a duel in back-to-back games now—100% success rate,” Barter noted. That level of command breeds confidence in Liverpool’s backline.

Photo: IMAGO

Distribution and Presence

Alisson’s quality isn’t just about his shot-stopping—it’s his entire presence. The way he distributes the ball is crucial to Liverpool’s system. “His 79% pass rate was fine,” Barter explained, but it was the type of passes that mattered. “He attempted 19 long passes, showing he was trying to get Liverpool on the front foot.”

His ability to control the tempo is vital. At times, Liverpool have struggled with chaotic spells in matches, but Alisson’s composure helps to settle them. “You just need your goalkeeper to calm things down in key moments, and he did exactly that,” Davis observed.

A Run-In Made for a World-Class Goalkeeper

Liverpool are approaching the crucial phase of the season, and having Alisson at his best could make the difference between winning silverware and falling short. His past few games have been a reminder of why he remains the gold standard for modern goalkeepers.

Davis summed it up succinctly: “If our elite players—Alisson, Van Dijk, Salah—are performing at an eight or nine out of ten, Liverpool will win more games than they lose.” That is exactly what Liverpool need, and exactly what Alisson is delivering.