Liverpool’s face-off with West Ham United at the hallowed grounds of Anfield was yet another testament to the heroics of one man – Alisson Becker. A man with the dexterity of a cat and the composure of a zen master.
The Anfield Saviour
In a game where stakes are always high, it was Becker’s elastic reflexes that came to Liverpool’s rescue. Picture the scene: Tomáš Souček of West Ham, with a sniper’s focus, taking his shot. And then, emerging from what seems like a different dimension, is Becker, stretching to his right, ensuring the scoreboard remains untouched.
This isn’t merely an isolated incident, a one-off moment of brilliance. Think back to that electrifying save against Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park. A split second later, and it might have been a different tale altogether. But Becker is not one to bow down to the ticking clock, and he ensures Liverpool’s victory, time and time again.
Stellar Stats Speak Volumes
In the wake of such pivotal matches, we’re left with an astonishing fact: Alisson Becker boasts a save percentage of 84.6% after facing more than 20 shots. That’s higher than any of his Premier League contemporaries this season.
To put this in context, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario trails behind at 80%, while Bournemouth’s Neto clinches the third spot with 75%. These numbers not only put a spotlight on Becker’s prowess between the sticks but also raise a brow towards Liverpool’s defence, which seems a tad too generous in granting opponents their shots on goal.
🧤 Goalkeepers with the best save success rate in the Premier League this season (20+ shots faced):
🥇 Alisson – 84.6%
🥈 𝐆𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 – 𝟖𝟎%
🥉 Neto – 75%
🏅 Nick Pope – 73.9%
🏅 Robert Sanchez – 72.7% pic.twitter.com/byskdni2pA— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 26, 2023
An Anomaly Among Goalkeepers
Becker isn’t just about saving goals; he’s about ensuring that Liverpool remains a force to reckon with. Every time he guards the net, it’s as though he’s defending the pride of an entire city.
Jurgen Klopp, the strategic genius behind Liverpool, must be pondering upon the lapses that require Becker to come into action so often. Rectifying this would undoubtedly be on his list. But for now, as the Mersey beats and Anfield sings, they can rest easy, knowing they have a guardian in Alisson Becker who makes the extraordinary look routine.
For every supporter donning the red, and even those who don’t, there’s the promise of Becker turning the improbable into a regular day at work.
