Goalie Pepe Reina of Villarreal has praised Alisson Becker’s contribution to Liverpool.
Alisson is without a doubt Liverpool’s best goaltender since Reina left nine years ago. The Brazilian, who signed for £67 million in 2018, has probably eclipsed Reina’s own legacy thus far.
It’s not like Pepe is resentful. Regarding Liverpool’s current No. 1, the former Spain international gushed about Alisson in an interview with The Athletic.
Alisson has put on amazing performances over the previous five years, claims Reina. “He has developed into one of the world’s best keepers and helped the team grow.”
“He has lifted some titles, which is the most important thing, and written his name into the history of Liverpool.”
Reina commends Alisson’s influence
Reina was the benchmark by which contemporary Liverpool goalkeepers had to measure themselves until the arrival of Alisson.
Sadly, none of the candidates—Simon Mignolet, Loris Karius, and whoever came in between—were very good.
But Alisson appeared next. And in the five and a half years since then, Liverpool supporters have had the wonderful sensation of once again having a goalkeeper they can rely on.
Reina was that, too, for years. The 41-year-old had a slight decline in his last few years at Anfield, but during his eight seasons as Liverpool’s starting No. 1, he was consistently excellent and occasionally outstanding.
The manner Pepe left the team—forced to leave on loan by new manager Brendan Rodgers in 2013 and departing permanently through the back door a year later—remains somewhat regrettable.
