Liverpool

Steve McManaman: 'Alisson Becker signing is a big statement'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 July 2018

McManaman: 'Alisson signing is statement'

Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman claims that the signing of Alisson Becker is a "big statement" and backs the goalkeeper to save the club 10-15 points per season.

Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has backed new signing Alisson Becker to save the club 10-15 points per season following his world-record arrival.

The Brazilian number one became the most expensive goalkeeper of all time when he completed his £67m switch to the Reds last week, ending discussions over whether Jurgen Klopp would keep faith with Loris Karius following a string of errors.

Liverpool have been touted as serious contenders for the Premier League title next season as a result of their transfer business, and McManaman believes that Alisson could be a crucial part of the jigsaw.

"They seem to have done really good business and they've done it early so there is no last-minute panic towards deadline day which we know is very early this year. To a lot of the fans that's a big relief because it's almost as if you've got one over on the opposition," McManaman told the Daily Mail.

"Signing Alisson smashed the record for a goalkeeper but players are worth what they are worth now, that's just the value of good players, if you want the best you pay good money. Alisson is considered one of the best, so he's worth it. Was Virgil van Dijk worth £75m? If you ask Liverpool fans the answer is yes and you just hope the goalkeeper is the same. Buffon broke the record back in the day, look how good he went on to be.

"You're hoping this cloud over Liverpool about the goalkeepers will disappear now, he could save the team 10-15 points a season because of how good he is. I think it was the key piece of the puzzle for Liverpool, we've been talking about the goalkeeper for many years, I think Jurgen appreciates that as well.

"Certainly after the Champions League final a lot of Liverpool fans wanted a new goalkeeper to come in. Like Van Dijk, I think it's a big statement."

Liverpool's first game of the new Premier League season comes at home to West Ham United on August 12.