James Milner has praised Alisson Becker and how the Liverpool goalkeeper ‘isn’t scared’ to go long when need be for his team.
The 30-year-old did just that against Manchester City on Sunday when his long-field ball found the on-rushing Mo Salah, who left Joao Cancelo in a daze, went through on goal and sealed the points for his side.
Goalkeepers aren’t usually known for what they do with their feet or how many assists they can rack up, well that’s where the likes of Alisson are different.
When Alisson isn’t scoring last-minute headed goals, he’s showcasing his laser-eyed vision and feeding Salah for fun.
Well before the ball could land in the palms of the Brazil international against Man City, Salah was already halfway through his journey to scoring because he knew exactly what was going to happen.
It’s a part of the keepers game that is much-appreciated by James Milner, who stated that it’s a ‘great weapon’ to have, as he told Premier League Productions.
“Ali with another assist as well,” said Milner. “He’s so good as a goalkeeper and doing things a goalkeeper should do, with his feet as well.
“He helps us build up. He sets the tone and makes great decisions such as not being scared to go long, and then having the accuracy to find (Mo Salah). It’s a great weapon to have.”
ALISSON IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST
Given that the Reds dominate most games, it means that there is less work for Alisson to do compared to a keeper further down the league, in regard to shot-stopping.
That’s a test of his concentration and having to pull off those match-winning saves during critical moments of the game.
The former Roma star has proven that he has that quality in abundance, as well as lightning reaction speeds when rushing out of his goal to smother a player coming through on goal, such as Erling Haaland at the weekend.
Then to boot and add the cherry on top of his goalkeeping, he can pick out a pass like Thiago Alcantra being 6ft+ and having a Brazilian passport.
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