Problem solved.
It became glaringly clear after Loris Karius’ multiple errors in recent months that a new goalkeeper was needed at Liverpool.
The necessity was such that the Reds were convinced to splash out a staggering £67 million on Alisson Becker, making the Brazil international the most expensive ‘keeper in history by some margin.
Alisson made his first Liverpool start in a preseason friendly against Napoli in Dublin on Saturday evening and impressed, keeping a clean sheet as the Merseyside club claimed a 5-0 victory.
What was most impressive about Alisson’s performance was his distribution from the back as he completely bypassed Napoli’s high press with his range of passing.
Wearing the provisional squad number of 13, Alisson didn’t leather the ball up the pitch so much as he picked inch-perfect passes to his teammates.
In the opening moments of the game, Alisson guided a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Mohamed Salah which set up an early chance.
https://twitter.com/70yardrobbo/status/1025792949068738562
Liverpool’s new stopper also played a role in the third goal of the game as he artfully sent a lofted pass into midfield which ultimately resulted in Salah finding the net.
https://twitter.com/70yardrobbo/status/1025808549929275392
Considering the improvement that Ederson brought to Manchester City with his ability to play out from the back, Liverpool supporters are expecting a similar uptake in fortunes now that they’ve got Alisson’s distribution to look forward to next season.
Alisson could be our best long passer since Alonso …
— Keane K (@LVBirdOnMyChest) August 5, 2018
Alisson is like having Pirlo/Xabi Alonso, but at goal. #LFC
— Awg 𓂆 (@hartsfortworth) August 5, 2018
Distribution of the ball seems to be the difference between Alisson and Oblak with also the closeness with fellow Brazilians and also most importantly with Mo..tick all the boxes #LFC
— Dhaven28 (@Dhaven_LFC) August 5, 2018
alisson’s distribution is unreal❤️ https://t.co/IyitGRz31R
— Richard Davies (@attilladahun) August 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/BandrLFC/status/1026041129341468673
Alisson's distribution last night was absolutely fantastic. That pass to set up the first goal. Happy days.
— Scott (@RedsOrDead) August 5, 2018
@Alissonbecker not only showed hes good at distribution but also how cool he is with the ball. No panic under those crucial backpasses; i believe a minimum of 10 backpasses were given to Alisson by both @VirgilvDijk and Joe Gomes under tight situations. Very good start #LFC
— Ageing Gandalf (@kaalpaadu) August 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/billyjones1988/status/1026014545272340480
https://twitter.com/DanishDefender/status/1026013675713257472
https://twitter.com/Mozammil_K/status/1025973028319109120
https://twitter.com/fisherese/status/1025931536456007680
https://twitter.com/DeanCal/status/1025901580053184512
Alisson's ball distribution will make Liverpool's forwards even more deadly.
— Ronald Michael James (@Romija54) August 4, 2018
Still not over Alisson distribution today, he is actually one of the best passers in our side👍
— John O Sullivan (@Corballyred) August 4, 2018