Alisson Becker: The unsung hero

There have been many plaudits for individual Liverpool players since their Premier League title win. So far however there has been very little praise for goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian international has once again been outstanding in between the sticks for the Reds.

Alisson currently stands second in the race for this seasons 'Golden Glove' award with 12 clean sheets. He is currently one behind Nick Pope of Burnley who has 13. It is worth noting however that Alisson has missed eight games this season with calf and hip injuries.

He has also missed one game through suspension after receiving a red card at home to Brighton.

That meant that back up Adrian has made eleven appearances (two as a substitute this season). The drop in quality between the sticks just shows how impressive and vital Alisson is to this side.

Alisson - 22 appearances - 11 goals conceded - 0 errors leading to goals.

Adrian - 11 appearances - 10 goals conceded - 2 errors leading to goals.

The next stat is probably the most telling on how without Alisson this team would not be the same.

The Brazilian has made 48 saves so far which means he is conceding a goal every 4.36 shots on target so far this season.

If you compare that to Adrian who had made 18 saves and is conceding a goal every 1.8 shots on target.

It is not just this season that Alisson has proved vital for Liverpool. The Brazilian proved to be the best goalkeeper in the world last season.

He picked up numerous individual awards last season and looks set to pick more up sooner rather than later.

He ended last season as a Champions League winner.

Which without his remarkable save against Napoli in the group stage, would not have happened.

The Liverpool number one has been reliable in both seasons since he arrived in 2018. When Liverpool have needed him the most he has stood strong and been a man to rely on.

The most recent example was the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

With the scoreline at 0-0 and Liverpool playing below their usual standard, Alisson made two crucial saves the ensure the Reds left without defeat.

In short, since the title was confirmed Van Dijk, Mane, Salah and co have taken the plaudits and rightly so but Alisson has arguably played as constantly well if not better.

Liverpool are lucky to have a goalkeeper who they can depend on week in week out and maybe he should be talked about more.