ALISSON Roma were happy with the £66M fee and now I want to make Liverpool happy with it...they were the team that made me feel most wanted KEEPER WANTS TO PROVE HIS WORTH.. LIKE SALAH
FOR Alisson, there are two ways of looking at his brief tenure as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
He can struggle with the weight of expectation his £66million move to Liverpool inevitably brings, buckling to remain upright under the burden of the searing spotlight such a price tag brings. Or he can do what Mo Salah did.
A year ago, the Egyptian took the exact same route Alisson has now embarked upon, a highprofile, high-price transfer from Roma to Anfield bringing with it plenty of plaudits, but more critical questions wondering if the £40m fee was extortionate.
It didn’t take long for Salah to make that figure look a steal, and turn the questions on Roma’s valuation.
After Liverpool smashed the record for a keeper, Alisson believed his challenge was simple: to make it look a bargain, too.
“Yes, it was a big deal for Roma, they had a record fee and they were happy,” he explained after making his Reds’ Anfield debut in midweek against Torino.
“And I’ll work very hard to make sure it’s a good deal for Liverpool too, which is more important. I know that Salah was thought a good deal for Roma, but now people say it is a good deal for Liverpool.
“I want to work hard to ensure that yes, people say they paid a bargain price for me too, eventually.”
A few days after his move, the world-record price for a keeper was gazumped as Chelsea paid £71m to Athletic Bilbao for Kepa Arrizabalaga (right).
Not that Alisson was bothered. He is an intelligent character. Asked if he can become the latest Brazilian star to make it in Europe, his response is thoughtful.
The landscape has changed from the past, he explained. Bigger rewards, but “more responsibilities as a role model”.
He wants a connection with the fans... one that previous Liverpool keepers didn’t enjoy. Against Torino, the fans weren’t just willing him to do well, they were almost pleading.
It is clear they see him as the missing piece that will complete a title-winning jigsaw. He remains undaunted. “Playing in a Champions League semi-final here with Roma was an amazing feeling and will always be special to me, in spite of the result,” he said. “But this is even more special, wearing the Liverpool shirt for the first time on the home ground. Already there is a bond with the supporters.
“They are so passionate. It is important for me to have that encouragement and support. We have big hopes and expectations and it’s important to count on them – I’m really happy to be here with them.”
Alisson seemed certain to join Real Madrid in the summer, but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wanted him more, and made him feel this was his home.
“It’s a thing that’s so important to me – to be happy and wanted, to feel valued,” added Alisson. “That is what Liverpool made me feel.
“They are a huge club, they have had many great players.
“But when I came here, when I spoke to the people here, they made me feel wanted.
“All the staff, all the people, not to mention the players. It is an amazing group, some of them I have worked with before, like Salah at Roma.
“I feel as though we can form a really tight group, working together to support each other. We are a team already, I can feel that. We can achieve good things together.”