Dida identifies difference between Liverpool goalkeepers Alisson Becker and Simon Mignolet

By Sam Leveridge

Liverpool have looked a different side defensively in 2018/19, and much of that is clearly down to the summer signing of Alisson Becker from AS Roma.

Discussing the arrival of his compatriot, former Brazil number one Dida explained what an impact he believes Alisson to have had since landing on Merseyside in the summer.

“Certainly Alisson’s personality gives more confidence to defenders and consequently to the whole team,” the former AC Milan goalkeeper told the Liverpool Echo whilst discussing the success of the addition.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on January 7, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

It is a clear distinguishing factor between Alisson and his back-up choice, Simon Mignolet. Mignolet had lost his place to Loris Karius during the 2017/18 campaign, but was already weakening the backline.

With inconsistent and error-strewn displays, it was clear that the defence struggled to relax and put their faith in the Belgian in the same way that they do with the current first choice.

Jurgen Klopp has clearly been impressed by his signing and has continued to only field Mignolet in cup competitions, with his participation for the season now over, bar injury or suspension to Alisson, given the failure to proceed in either the FA Cup or the Carabao Cup.