Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has spoken about Alisson’s qualities between the posts and identified the Brazilian’s bravery as the characteristic that separates him from most goalkeepers.
Alisson completed a £65 million move to Anfield from Roma in 2018, and won the Premier League Golden Glove and the Champions League during his first season with Liverpool.
The shotstopper has also been vital this season in Liverpool’s surge towards a first Premier League title in 30 years, and Achterberg has said it is Alisson’s conviction and fearlessness that set him apart.
“He is a goalie who has no fear – if he does something, he sticks to his decision,” Achterberg told Liverpool’s club website.
“In his mind, he knows what to do and he doesn’t hesitate. That is natural goalkeeping – having no fear, reading the game and deciding.”
Achterberg also commented on how Alisson, 27, is heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking moves.
“If Ali receives the ball, he is always looking to counter and restart the game quickly, in keeping with our way of playing,” Achterberg said.
“Mo [Salah] and Ali have had eye contact, they’re looking at each other, and Ali knows he has made the move and then has the quality to put the ball out into his path.
“When Ali cuts a corner or cross out, the first thing he is looking at is if there is the possibility of a quick restart with a throw or a side-volley.
“One of his big strengths is to stay calm in the high-pressure moments and making what look like natural, easy decisions, but they’re not easy, because you always need perfect solutions and decisions. It’s a quality he has.”
