Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk believes that the presence of the vocal goalkeeper Alisson is already boosting the confidence of the Reds’ defence.
Alisson was purchased by the Reds during the summer transfer window from AS Roma, after building a strong reputation in the Serie A. The Brazilian is widely considered to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the World. More impressively, he has managed to usurp the highly-rated Ederson of Manchester City, as first-choice goalkeeper for the Brazil national team.
The Reds have high expectations this season and started off the campaign with a bang, as they claimed a 4-0 win over West Ham last weekend. On an impressive note, the Hammers side that they beat is strong on paper. Klopp’s side dominated the game from start to finish and Alisson’s goal was never really threatened during the encounter.
The goals for the Reds came through Mohamed Salah, a brace from Sadio Mane and a strike from Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool exceeded expectations last season. While they failed to win a trophy, they did reach the final of the Champions League, which they ultimately lost to Real Madrid.
The defence of the club was seen as their weak-point. Had they been stronger at the back, the Anfield giants could have potentially launched more credible challenges for the major trophies on offer at home, and perhaps been more competitive against Madrid during the Champions League final. Goalkeeper Loris Karius did, after all, gift Madrid with two goals during that game, as Los Blancos went on to win 3-1.
The presence of Van Dijk, who arrived in January, and Alisson is expected to strengthen the back-line at Liverpool immensely, as compared to what it was last season.
Van Dijk already believes that his new team-mate, Alisson, is having a positive impact within the squad.
He said as reported by RTE: “We speak a lot. He’s very vocal and that helps. It helps me and everyone in the back line. I think his presence is very good as well,”
“He has a lot of qualities on the ball that help us playing. We’ve worked on it the whole pre-season and we’ll keep building and practicing. There’s still a lot to do.
“West Ham was just one game. We can do a lot better in certain moments and it’s just the start. We’re trying to build something.”
