Alisson may have missed 17 games, but he proved that he remains at the very top – Liverpool FC

Alisson was forced to hand over the No.1 responsibilities for a longer period than we’d all like, but he still reminded us why he’s among the best.

The Brazilian mixed outstanding performances with frustrating injuries in 2023/24, setbacks that kept him sidelined during one of the most important stages of the season.

It wasn’t the first time the Reds had been forced to be without their No.1, and while Caoimhin Kelleher made sure he wasn’t missed too much, Alisson will be hoping his bad luck is behind him.

However, he still showed us why he is the best in the world at what he does.

Exceptionally

Liverpool’s No.1 has saved his team time and time again, his sheer brilliance can make a goalkeeper look effortless.

You only need to look at his world-class save against Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park for proof of that – the Newcastle man had serious power in his shot from 15 yards and Alisson was still denied.

Most goalkeepers would struggle to touch the ball, never mind stop it – and he did likewise at Crystal Palace later in the season on his return from his first injury.

He made 28 Premier League outings in total – his fewest since arriving at Anfield in 2018 – but still ended the campaign with the highest save percentage in the competition.

According to FotMob, the 31-year-old had a save percentage of 73.5, which puts him ahead of Alphonse Areola (72.3 percent), Andre Onana (72 percent) and Jordan Pickford (70.3 percent).

He has conceded 30 league goals – an average of 1.07 goals per game – an improvement on last season as he was protected more effectively than the previous campaign.

Alisson still remained a point difference, a weapon that not every team can rely on when the going gets tough – but that doesn’t mean the Brazilian was without low points.

Rough parts

Illness and two separate bouts of injury – including a serious hamstring strain in training of all places – kept Allison sidelined for a total of 17 matches.

His longest and most recent absence came immediately after the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, a performance he would not want to sit out for long as he was involved in a terrible mix-up with Virgil van Dijk.

A lack of communication between the two cost the Reds dearly, and instead of opening up an eight-point gap on the Gunners, they invited them back into the title race.

Alisson is prone to minor mistakes like this, usually while in possession, but the number of times he has saved Liverpool ensures he has plenty of credit in the bank.

The 31-year-old’s return to the team against Crystal Palace did not inject the magic necessary to get the side back into their groove, but by then most of the damage had already been done.

To win titles you need consistency in your XI and hopefully Alisson will once again be a consistent figure in the XI as the Reds look to build something new under Arne Slott.

New chapter despite interest

Alisson has been under constant scrutiny as the player’s clubs in Saudi Arabia look to lure his way, although Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position if that falls apart this summer.

Under contract until 2027, the No.1 is understood to be ‘very happy’ on Merseyside and is not pushing for a move despite significant changes in the club’s goalkeeping department.

He’s a player you don’t want Liverpool to lose anytime soon, he’s invaluable and has qualities few others in his position have.

Slott won’t need to be told, and his side will be built around the pillars Jurgen Klopp has built, with Alisson front and center for that.

Best moment: Ridiculous save for Almiron’s shot at Newcastle.

Worst moment: The accident between him and Van Dijk at Arsenal.

Role next season: Undisputed number 1.