Liverpool manager Arne Slot has showered praise on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, calling him the best in the world after a stunning performance against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Brazilian’s heroics secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool at Parc des Princes, despite PSG dominating the match.
On a night when PSG outplayed their opponents for much of the 90 minutes, Liverpool emerged with a narrow win. The home side will feel hard done by after a controversial moment when Ibrahima Konaté avoided a red card for a last-man foul on Bradley Barcola, despite a VAR review. PSG’s penalty appeals were also waved away, adding to their frustration.
Alisson Becker: Liverpool’s Hero
Alisson Becker proved to be the difference-maker. The Brazilian goalkeeper made nine breathtaking saves, thwarting PSG’s relentless attacks. Without his brilliance, the tie could have slipped away in this first leg of the Champions League clash.
Slot, speaking to TNT Sports, didn’t hold back in his praise for the UEFA Man of the Match. “No, I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a goalkeeper who has played at this level, which is normal because he’s the best in the world,” he said. “I’ve had some very good players as a manager, but never the best goalkeeper in the world. He showed that today.”
Alisson Reflects on His Masterclass
When asked if this was his finest display of the season, Alisson went further, admitting it might be the best of his career. The former AS Roma star credited Slot for preparing the team for PSG’s quality. “The manager warned us about how good they are, and it played out exactly like that,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “They made us suffer with so many quality moments.”
Looking ahead to the second leg at Anfield, Alisson remained cautious but optimistic. “It’s a really good team we’re facing. We still have one more game to come. Hopefully, we can hold onto this result and play better at home. We know we need to improve, especially against tough teams like PSG, who have so much quality with the ball and in creating chances. It was a tough night, but it had a happy ending.”
PSG’s Perspective
PSG manager Luis Enrique praised his team’s performance despite the defeat. “We were unlucky to lose a game where Liverpool had just one shot,” he said. Unfazed by the challenge ahead, Enrique refused to rule out a comeback at Anfield, even though Liverpool are notoriously tough to beat on home soil with their passionate fans behind them.
ALSO READ: Junior Starlets Squad named for U17 World Cup Qualifier against Uganda
