Alisson urges Liverpool to create their own history

Alisson has urged Liverpool to create their own history this season and step out of the shadow cast by Jurgen Klopp’s Champions League and Premier League-winning teams.

Liverpool hold a six-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, as they chase their first league title since 2019-20.

Alisson played a key role in that title-winning side, having also shone as Liverpool lifted the Champions League trophy in his first season at Anfield in 2018-19.

This campaign, Alisson has played nine league games, with Caoimhin Kelleher playing eight times when the Brazilian was sidelined by a muscle injury.

He returned to their starting lineup for a Champions League win at Girona in early December, and has conceded eight times in the Premier League, excluding own goals and penalties.

That is from a figure of 9.3 expected goals on target (xGoT) faced. According to Opta’s model, Alisson has prevented 1.3 goals this season.

Speaking on the eve of Liverpool’s trip to West Ham, Alisson said Arne Slot’s men cannot afford to think about the accomplishments of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

“That team was really special,” Alisson said. “We achieved great things. It was the first Premier League title in a long, long time.

“We achieved the Champions League together as well the season before. There is no comparison with both situations.

“What makes me happy is this group of players – we have the quality to do something special. The most important thing is the commitment that is needed to win something is there.

“We don’t have to compare ourselves with the teams in the past. We have to create our own history this season, this group.”

Slot has implemented a more patient style since taking the reins, with Liverpool’s passing accuracy up from 85.8% last season to 86.5% this campaign, while they also average fewer fast breaks per Premier League game (2.1) than they did in 2023-24 (1.1).

“I don’t think it is too similar,” Alisson said when asked about Liverpool’s shift in style.

“A few players still play in the team but we have a little bit of a different style, more ball possession. Before, it is was really straightforward, a lot of transition, a lot of intensity.”