Former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence implied he had an issue with Reds shot-stopper Alisson being called a legend at the club already.
The 71-year-old heaped praise on the Brazilian goalkeeper when asked for his thoughts on him, and highlighted several attributes that the goalkeeper had which impressed him.
“He’s been fantastic for them,” said Clemence in an interview with Four Four Two (October, Issue 304, page 105).
“The top keepers have a presence – he’s a great size, he’s agile, he’s athletic, he’s quick, he’s commanding and he gives everybody in front of him confidence.
“Previously when you watched Liverpool, you always feared for them at set plays.
“Now, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, they can control it.”
Clemence was then asked whether Alisson could become an Anfield legend like him and he seemed to question the player already having legendary status among the Anfield faithful, as he shared you only earn legendary status from being at a club a number of years.
“Well he’s been there a year and won the European Cup – that’s not bad,” explained the retired shot-stopper.
“These days it depends on the person themselves.
“Do they want to stay at a club for 10 years? In our era, people wanted to go to a big club and stay for as long as possible.
“I stayed at Liverpool for 14 years. They’re calling him a legend already as he’s made some terrific saves.
“I think you earn that by doing it over a number of years, but he certainly has the capability to do that.”
OPINION
It’s easy to see why Clemence has an issue with Alisson being referred to as a Liverpool legend as he only arrived at Anfield last summer. However, the word legend is waved around so much these days, that given how fantastic the shot-stopper’s first season at Liverpool was, it’s hard not to associate that term with him. The 26-year-old not only helped the Reds rack up another Champions League trophy, but he wowed on a consistent basis in their Premier League campaign. Alisson made 38 appearances in the Premier League last season, averaging a rating of 6.79 (Source: WhoScored), and earned 20 clean sheets (Source: Premier League). The shot-stopper was so impressive, that his 20 clean sheets saw him win the Premier League’s Golden Glove ahead of his fellow keepers. With Alisson currently sidelined due to injury, it’s hard not to miss him as his record makes you feel confident that the Reds will rack up clean sheets. This season with Alisson not in goal, barring the 38 minutes he played against Norwich City, the Reds haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their league outings.
