Garth Crooks lauds Liverpool star Alisson for performance against Arsenal

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In Alisson Becker, Liverpool have a player in their ranks who is relaxed and playing with a smile on his face, according to BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks. 

He named the Brazilian stopper in his Team of the Week for the BBC Sport website after his performance in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal.

Alisson has endured some nervy moments during 2020/21 but the international break looks to have done him good.

He looked back to his best as he kept a clean sheet to get Liverpool’s bid for a top-four finish back on track.

Liverpool won the game courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and a brace by Diogo Jota.

It was the form of their 28-year-old goalkeeper which really caught the eye though, with Crooks desperately impressed.

He told BBC Sport: “The Brazilian keeper has looked decidedly uncomfortable on occasions this season, no more so than against Manchester City when his confidence looked shattered.

“What a difference a few weeks makes though. Alisson appeared as relaxed as I’ve seen him for some time and one stage against Arsenal he looked like he had a smile on his face.

“This was a very different performance from the Liverpool we saw lose to Fulham and Chelsea. Alisson was brimming with confidence.”

TBR View: Klopp will hope Alisson is back to his best

It’s been a tough season for the international goalkeeper – not just on the green bit but away from it too.

The truly awful loss of his father certainly hasn’t helped his form but he hasn’t become a bad goalkeeper overnight.

An in-form Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and the challenge for Klopp is to get him churning out performances on a consistent basis.

The £150,000-a-week stopper has transformed Liverpool’s goalkeeping department since arriving.

He has helped the club to the Champions League crown and a first Premier League title victory.

His form has stuttered in the last few months but against Arsenal, he looked calm and composed once more.

Liverpool will hope that continues.