View: 86% Alisson proves Arne Slot right on Liverpool return
Alisson Becker vindicated Arne Slot’s decision to restore him to the Liverpool starting XI on his return from injury.
The Brazilian had been out of action since 5 October but was outstanding on his return from injury in the 1-0 Champions League win against Girona (10 December).
Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up in his absence, earning rave reviews but Slot always maintained that the 32-year-old was his number one.
Speaking after the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa [9 November, Theo Squires, X], Slot said: “the moment Alisson is fit he will be first-choice.”
Liverpool have their saviour back
The Reds were constantly vulnerable to counter-attacks from their Spanish opposition and struggled to retain their shape when they lost the ball.
This led to a hectic night for the Brazilian between the sticks but he was at his best to deny the Spaniards.
The Brazilian made five saves, prevented a total of 0.68xG and recorded an 86 per cent passing accuracy, misplacing just four of his 29 attempts. [Fotmob]
He also made one punch, one high claim and eight ball recoveries in an outstanding display.
It is vital for the Reds that they have the best goalkeeper in the world back as they continue on their quest to win both the Premier League and the Champions League in the first season under their new head coach.
There had been demands for Alisson to earn his number one spot back from Kelleher but Slot proved that he was right to dismiss those.
In other Liverpool news, Slot must use a Japan international more if he wants to maintain the club’s title push.
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