Poised, immovable and world class. That’s what you think of when Alisson Becker’s name comes up in any conversation regarding elite goalkeepers worldwide. However, questions are arising over the veteran goalkeeper’s future at Liverpool, his current form, and whether injuries have forced him to regress.

Current form and the season so far

Credit: Liverpool.com

Alisson is normally unplayable, but conceding late goals and making unforced errors this season has caused the Brazilian goalkeeper’s ability to be called into question. The most notable indicator of his drop off in quality so far was his rushed clearance against Wolves which led to André’s injury time winner. Undoubtedly, it can be said that the collective defensive standards at Liverpool have dropped in comparison to their title winning season last year. 

By this stage last season, Allison had played 28 games in the league and had kept nine clean sheets. When you compare to now, he has played 24 games and kept eight clean sheets. His record is on par with last season, but it does not feel as though he is commanding as before. 

An unstable cloud of nerves has loomed over Liverpool’s defence this season affecting the environment and contributing to late-stage errors. Ibrahima Konate has made some costly errors, amongst other players, causing goals to be conceded and this trait has seeped into the whole team, causing the defensive esteem of Liverpool’s back four to be tested regularly, therefore heaping the pressure on Allison. 

The early season slump in October where the team went five games without a win, three in which Allison played in, drastically impacted the expectations of the club. The remnants of the attitude and lack of quality from this period has lingered as the squad is still devoid of consistency.

It makes you wonder, are we watching the end of a dynasty? Or is this the final chapter of a team moulded by Klopp that Slot has inherited and tried to shape into his own.

Injuries and a declining skillset?

Allison has already missed nine games for the Reds this season due to injury and was not in the squad for yesterday's clash with Galatasaray in the Champions League Round of 16. 

Renowned for his faultless positioning and calmness under pressure he has been a perennial anchor at the back for Liverpool. Perhaps his time away from the squad due to injury has made it harder for him to find form and perform for the team. 

There have been more mental mishaps than ever this season including rushed short passes to his defenders and bizarre errors in the later stages of matches. Namely the avoidable foul on Matheus Nunes which led to a late penalty scored by Erling Haaaland in their 2 -1 loss against Manchester City.

Liverpool fans are used to Alisson being a player who instils confidence within his teammates and fans, being a reliable force, but this trust has slowly eroded over the course of this season, being replaced with anxiety and uncertainty.   

Allison signed a five-year contract in 2021, which includes an option to extend for another year. There are no current transfer rumours circling around his name aside from light mentions of a move away to Saudi Arabia and interest from Juventus. Arne Slot has unequivocally stated the importance of Alisson in the Liverpool team, and he is expected to remain at the club. 

The core members of the current squad such as Van Dijk, Salah and Allison were cornerstones from the Klopp era and have achieved everything they can at the club. With Salah’s future looking especially tumultuous it could open the door to exits for other leading members of the side. 

Verdict

Credit: Liverpool.com