Liverpool

Chris Kirkland: 'Alisson Becker could be final jigsaw piece for Liverpool'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 21 July 2018

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland hopes that Alisson Becker is the last piece of the jigsaw that sees the Reds emerge as Premier League title contenders.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has claimed that the signing of Alisson Becker could be the catalyst for a genuine Premier League title challenge this coming season.

The Reds announced Alisson's arrival from Roma on Thursday night, the Brazil international joining for a £65m fee and penning a "long-term deal" at Anfield.

Alisson is now the world's most expensive goalkeeper, trumping the £34.7m paid by Manchester City for compatriot Ederson a year ago, and Kirkland is optimistic that the 25-year-old will be given plenty of time and support by the Reds faithful.

"He [Alisson] is calm, he's got great distribution from the back and he's got a good record at Roma," Kirkland told Sky Sports News.

"He was very reliable [at Roma] which you need in this Premier League but it is going to be tough for him. There will be big pressure on him when he comes to Liverpool but there is one thing for sure the fans will give him all the support he needs.

"We'll see [if he proves to be one of the signings of the summer]. I've been a Liverpool fan all my life since I was eight years old, so hopefully he will be the last piece of the jigsaw."

Alisson is expected to become Liverpool's number one keeper immediately ahead of Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.