Slot hails ‘outstanding’ Alisson after Man City response

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has lauded goalkeeper Alisson Becker as “outstanding” after the Brazilian kept three consecutive clean sheets to help the Reds rebound from a costly error against Manchester City earlier this month.

Since Alisson’s stoppage-time penalty concession at Anfield versus City, Liverpool have recorded five wins from their last six matches across all competitions and have not conceded a goal in any of their last three outings. The sequence includes Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, a result that lifted Slot’s side back into the thick of the race for Champions League qualification.

Speaking on the eve of Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with West Ham United, Slot underlined the importance of having a world-class last line of defence.

“In an ideal world you don’t need your goalkeeper because you defend so well,” Slot told reporters. “But the important thing for us is if we do, we have an outstanding one.”

The Dutchman also highlighted the depth at the position, noting that Valencia-bound Giorgi Mamardashvili and deputy Caoimhin Kelleher would start for many top-flight clubs, yet Alisson has remained undisputed first choice since arriving on Merseyside seven years ago.

“That tells you how good he is,” Slot added, “if he can keep Mamardashvili and Kelleher behind him.”

With confidence restored at both ends of the pitch, Liverpool will look to extend their resurgent form when they host West Ham this weekend.