It was a birthday to remember for Alisson Becker.
The Brazil international was all smiles as he left the Anfield pitch followingLiverpool's 2-0 victory over Bologna, having marked the start of his 33rd chapter
In
Alisson
"That's what I asked (from) the boys before when I had my speech,"
“It was a fantastic game, a really tough opponent. “They play really well with the ball and without the ball they are aggressive.
“Playing against an Italian side is always difficult but we did good to manage the game and to score enough to win the game and to defend well to keep the clean sheet."
It was the goalkeeper's fourth clean sheet in seven games this season
He was busier, perhaps, that Arne Slot would have liked as Bologna ensured there would be no procession for the hosts in what was their first home European tie since that dismal defeat to Atalanta back in April.
Alisson himself clearly sensed his team needed some extra ammunition from the Anfield crowd during one particularly frenetic first-half spell
the Brazilian turning to rouse the Kop into action after Dan Ndoye's deflected strike had ricocheted off the crossbar.
And his contributions were recognised after the game by teammate and goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister, who conceded Liverpool had relied a little too heavily on their No.1 to keep Bologna at bay.
Mac Allister
"Alisson made some good saves,"
"Sometimes I think we need to defend better, at least Ali showed how good he is. I’m happy for him and for the team.”
if Alisson continues in the same rich vein of form that has defined his Liverpool career to date, there is no reason why the Reds should not look to prolong his stay on Merseyside.
Certainly, he seems to be one of the many players enjoying life under Slot,
Alisson has said
“We were great before but Arne is bringing to us a new energy and knowledge,"
"He is a really smart manager and he is helping us a lot. You can see from how we are playing now.”
"We are committed to the plan and can see it is a good plan. We still have a lot to improve but we are in the right direction.
“We have a big gap to reach for our best but we are doing well so far."
On his own future, Alisson added: "I am committed to this club 100% and that involves being part of the leadership group. We have a lot of young players, new players coming in, a completely new staff.
“When we changed, not everything was going wrong.
“The challenge for us was to keep the good things, pass these things to the staff and the players coming in, and embrace the good stuff that the new staff are bringing.”
"It was a big challenge for this leadership group and I really believe we are doing quite well.
“We are sharing the responsibility and telling the young players they need to step up as well. This club is special and the people who work here are special."
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