BT Sport pundits Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage have been at odds over the Premier League’s signing of the season, with Sutton opting for Liverpool’s Alisson and the latter picking Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira.
Both players have undoubtedly made big impacts at their respective clubs, but Sutton was vociferous in his conviction that the Reds goalkeeper has been far and away the top flight’s finest purchase.
“Torreira at Arsenal, I think,” Savage told BT Sport.
Sutton responded: “He couldn’t get in the team at the start of the season. We’re talking about the whole season aren’t we?
“Why would you have him over Alisson?” Sutton asked, to which Savage replied that it was just his opinion. “Well it’s wrong,” replied Sutton. “Who’s made the biggest impact this season? Alisson. Alisson over Torreira. Liverpool are top of the league, he’s made the big saves and he’s made an impact,” Sutton finished.
Signing of the season debate…
Fair to say @RobbieSavage8 and @chris_sutton73 disagree over their choices ?#SaturdaySav pic.twitter.com/5InagQ3faZ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2018
OPINION
As gung-ho as he might be in his delivery there is no doubt that Sutton is on the right side of this debate. Torreira has been excellent for Arsenal this season. He’s shored up a problem position for the Gunners and has helped Unai Emery revolutionise a stagnating club, but there’s no way that he has made a bigger impact that Alisson at Liverpool. When you talk about a player solving a position of difficulty then you have to look at the Reds’ goalkeeping situation before the Brazilian arrived. Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet were nowhere near the quality required to be Liverpool’s number one, and they both committed gaffes aplenty. Alisson, a couple of moments aside, has been as reliable as they come and has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side become the best defensive team in the Premier League. Liverpool are top of the Premier League and you have to give Alisson credit for that. Torreira has been good, but Alisson has been great.
