One of the hallmarks of Liverpool’s unfortunate last season was the lack of Alisson Becker guarding the goal. Liverpool fans saw more of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman than they had hoped to while Alisson was out with injuries. Illness and then a hamstring injury made the Brazilian goalkeeper miss several months.
In the aftermath of that season and as the World Cup kicks off with Alisson representing Brazil, he has admitted that some of the games he missed in the spring were to ensure his
fitness for the competition.
He spoke to the Brazilian outlet Estadão, stating, “I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.”
He added: “Everyone knows I spent a period out before the World Cup, but also very much because of arriving at the World Cup 100%. I said before: the important thing is how we arrive at the World Cup.”
Ouch.
Clearly this would ruffle some feathers for Liverpool fans who knew the team could have used his leadership in defense when the team was crumbling in those final weeks. The fact that he feels comfortable publicly admitting this is another solid indication that he may, in fact, be on his way out this summer. It’s also a further indictment of Arne Slot and his inability to get the players behind his vision by the end. It’s hard to imagine a player under Jürgen Klopp doing this — or if he did, then openly talking about it to a news outlet.
As of now, Alisson has been linked with a move to Juventus, but any big deals will likely not be completed until the World Cup concludes or Brazil is eliminated.
If Alisson does take off for Italy or anywhere else, the question becomes if the Liverpool transfer committee and new boss Andoni Iraola have faith in Mamardashvili to replace Alisson, or if they will be looking elsewhere for a new number 1.
We’ve been cursed with interesting times at Liverpool Football Club this summer, and there’s no way of telling how it will shake out. What do you think of Alisson purposely missing Liverpool games to ensure his fitness for his country?
