Liverpool icon Michael Owen has praised Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker as the finest in the world after his outstanding performance against Crystal Palace.
Jurgen Klopp’s team secured an impressive 1-2 victory away at Selhurst Park, overturning a 1-0 deficit, and Alisson delivered exceptional saves when called into action.
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In the 27th minute, Crystal Palace appeared poised to take the lead, with Jefferson Lerma nearly breaking through on goal. Jordan Ayew’s cross found Lerma in a prime scoring position, but Alisson’s imposing presence thwarted the imminent danger and kept Liverpool in the game.
Ayew’s intended pass for Odsonne Edouard inadvertently reached Lerma, who went unmarked by Wataru Endo. What seemed like a certain goal was denied by Alisson’s sublime save, deflecting the ball towards the post before Trent Alexander-Arnold cleared it.
Michael Owen expressed admiration for Alisson’s heroics, hailing the Brazilian international as the world’s premier goalkeeper.
He told Premier League Productions, as quoted by HITC Sport: “This is why Alisson is, in my opinion, the best in the world. Yes, he gets some help from the post. But it is a world-class save – pure world-class – and Alisson is brilliant.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta eventually beat Alisson from the penalty spot in the 57th minute, putting Liverpool 1-0 behind.
Nevertheless, they mounted another comeback to secure three points and temporarily claim the top spot in the table.
Mohamed Salah notched his 200th goal for the Reds, equalizing shortly after Jordan Ayew’s dismissal. The decisive winner was scored by Harvey Elliott with a stunning strike in the 91st minute, sealing the victory for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
In the wake of Joel Matip’s ACL injury in Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 Premier League triumph over Fulham at Anfield on Sunday, the club is reportedly eyeing three potential targets for the January transfer window.
Matip, who has been a dedicated figure for Liverpool since his free transfer from Schalke in 2016, suffered the ACL tear.
He has amassed 201 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side and has contributed to the team’s success with six trophies during his tenure at Anfield.
He has been sidelined for the remainder of the season, and considering his contract is due to expire next summer, it is conceivable that his time at Anfield might come to an end.
Given these circumstances, Liverpool has compiled a three-man shortlist to potentially fill the void left by the 32-year-old, according to Football Insider.
