Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson overlooked big names like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Sergio Aguero when revealing the toughest opponent he’s faced in the Premier League.
The Brazilian shot-stopper, who became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in 2018 after his £67 million move from Roma to Liverpool, has more than justified his price tag.
Since playing a key role in ending Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a league title in 2020, Alisson has cemented his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
In fact, following Liverpool’s Champions League round of 16 victory over Paris Saint-Germain—where Alisson made an incredible nine saves—Slot hailed him as the best goalkeeper in the world.
“I have had some very good players as a manager but never the best goalkeeper in the world until now,” Slot said after the match, praising Alisson for securing his 22nd Champions League clean sheet.
“He showed that he is the best in the world today. To go away with a win here was probably a bit more than we deserved.”
During his six years at Anfield, Alisson has faced some of the Premier League’s toughest forwards, but his most challenging opponent might surprise many.
In an interview with the PFA, Alisson named West Ham striker Michail Antonio as the player he finds most difficult to play against.
“I would say, one that is really annoying is Michail Antonio,” he admitted in 2023. “The guy is too strong. Set-pieces are hard against him. [He is] always on my toes.”
Antonio later shared his thoughts on Alisson’s reputation, suggesting that calling him the best goalkeeper in Premier League history was an overstatement.
“I think it’s gone a bit too far to say he’s the best keeper ever in the Premier League,” Antonio said on The Footballers’ Football Podcast.
“Obviously, yeah, he’s a good playmaking goalkeeper, but so is Ederson. To say the best ever in the Premier League, I think it’s a bit of a stretch. Schmeichel, Van Der Sar, Petr Cech—I just don’t feel he has done enough yet.”
What do you think of Alisson’s pick? Let us know in the comments.