Alisson’s paying the price
ALISSON claims he is expected to be “perfect” at Liverpool thanks to his £65m price tag.
Liverpool smashed the world transfer record for a goalkeeper to bring Alisson from Roma in July before Chelsea broke the mark again a few weeks later when signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Brazil star knows his performances must reflect his fee and says he is getting used to the extra scrutiny.
Alisson, 26, has kept eight clean sheets in his 16 Liverpool games and has let in just five goals in 12 Premier League matches.
“I came here for a high price and some people expect to me to be perfect,” he said ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Uruguay at the Emirates on Friday.
“It’s not easy, but I’m trying. It’s too early to say if I’m satisfied with how I’m playing, but I’m working to be perfect, I’m working to be better. I’m really happy with my move to the Premier League.
“I’m working really hard to help Liverpool to achieve their goals and also for the Brazil national team.”
Alisson has been given a crash course on the Premier League and says he has learnt to be switched on at all times.
His carelessness in trying to dribble with the ball cost Liverpool a goal at Leicester, but his quick thinking led to their opener against Fulham on Sunday.
“The Premier League has great intensity,” he said. “You have to be really focused all the time.
“One thing that is important here is the concentration and focus. They are asking me to be really mentally strong. My team have a really great defence, so it’s not often the ball comes near my net.
“But I have one or two opportunities to show my quality, so I need to be focused all the time.”
Xherdan Shaqiri excelled in the 2-0 win over Fulham, scoring Liverpool’s second goal, and said he felt fresh after being omitted from last week’s Champions League defeat in Belgrade.
It was feared the ethnic Kosovan would be targeted by the Red Star fans because of a controversial celebration against Serbia in the World Cup.
“There is a very hot atmosphere there and so it was better to stay at home and just concentrate on football,” he said. “I was fresh, I stayed here and trained.”