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Jamie Carragher has explained that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is as important to Liverpool as teammate Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk, who is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury, has been phenomenal since his £75million (BBC) move to Anfield back in 2017 from Southampton.

The 29-year-old is regarded by many as the best centre-back in the world and the colossus Dutchman is such an imposing figure in defence, who has helped transform what was once a weak backline.

A year after Van Dijk joined Liverpool signed goalkeeper Alisson, which is the signing that signalled a new dominant era at the Merseyside club.

Jurgen Klopp’s team have won the Champions League and Premier League since the £66.8million (BBC) signing of the new first-choice goalkeeper, who appears to make a world class save in each game he plays.

Carragher included Alisson in his Premier League team of the year for 2020 and values his importance to Liverpool as much as Van Dijk.

“When Alisson was missing at Aston Villa, Liverpool lost 7-2. Liverpool were as bad against Fulham but the difference was that he was in goal. It’s equally important as when Virgil van Dijk came in when Liverpool signed Alisson. Liverpool, without Van Dijk, are still the best team in the league and it’s because he’s there,” he told Sky Sports.

TBR’s View:

Alisson is well on his way to establishing himself as a Premier League great in terms of the best goalkeepers, which is remarkable considering that he’s now in just his third season in English football.

The Brazil international has barely put a glove wrong since he joined Liverpool and it’s glaringly obvious how much he’s helped the team becoming a winning one.

They are currently clear at the top of the league table on Christmas Day and are rightfully favourites to defend their crown.