James Milner has identified Alisson Becker as Liverpool’s player of the season so far, but admits that the whole squad have been important in the Reds exhilarating start to the Premier League campaign.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has been in eye-catching form since completing a £55.8 million move to Anfield from Roma over the summer, and has been a key figure in Liverpool’s march to the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking to the the official Liverpool FC magazine, as quoted by the club’s official website, when asked about his standout performer of the season, Milner said: “It’s hard to pick out one player because everyone in the squad has done so well, not just the 11 who are starting.
“I think maybe one you could select is Alisson. Coming to a new league is never easy. It’s a new lifestyle and you are also getting used to the weather and things like that, but he’s been unbelievable: from how he is around the place, to how good he is on the pitch with his feet and with the saves he makes.
“He’s been unbelievable for us this season so far and I believe that he’ll be a massive, massive player for us going forward.”
OPINION
The importance of having a world class goalkeeper cannot be understated in a title challenge, as Liverpool are finding out their advantage so far this season. Last year the Reds looked good, and their problems amounted to more than just a dodgy stopper, but they threw away a lot of points, and a Champions League final, because of questionable goalkeeping last year. Allison has not been perfect, but he has been solid, and at times outstanding, and the Brazilian has been a massive factor in the Reds ascent to the summit of the Premier League. With Virgil van Dijk in front of him, Liverpool finally have the kind of defensive spine that they have lacked for so many years. It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and showmanship of their attacking exploits, but the improvement in the defensive third has been the key to their success so far this season.
