Liverpool goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel is confident that Alisson Becker will turn a blind eye to any overtures from Saudi Arabia this summer. He’s firm in the belief that the Reds’ leading man between the sticks is set for a prolonged stay at Anfield.
And the World Cup winner has sent out a cautionary note to newcomer Giorgi Mamardashvili, indicating the Georgian will have his work cut out if he aims to challenge Brazil’s finest next season.
Alisson, who made the switch from Roma to Liverpool back in 2018 for a then world-record goalkeeper fee, has been nothing short of exceptional this term. His performances have been pivotal in Slot’s squad clinching the Premier League title well ahead of schedule, with four games left on the calendar.
The Brazilian icon has managed to keep clean sheets in nine out of the Reds’ 14 league matches, which tops the charts in England, cementing his status at the AXA Training Centre as one of the globe’s top goalkeepers.
Last summer saw the revered No. 1 draw glances from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but he chose to stay loyal to Liverpool and aid the transition period under new boss Arne Slot after Jurgen Klopp’s exit.
Now Taffarel, who doubles up as a mentor for Alisson with the national team, has implied that his fellow countryman isn’t swayed by the allure of the Saudi Pro League’s riches.
“The header goal (against West Brom to help secure Champion League qualification in 2021), that historic goal, the crying…It’s a very beautiful story, right? ,” Taffarel reminisced during his chat with ESPN Brasil.
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“Ali wants to continue living this story. I saw that this wave of Saudi Arabia come with great opportunities, very high offers. But he always says: ‘Wow, I want to continue this story because I owe a lot to them here, and I want to continue this life here’.
“I was impressed when I arrived. The admiration that the players have for him, the employees here, the [backroom staff] – both this one and Klopp’s in the past – the board.
“He really is a very important figure here. Because of the history he has had here, on the field, right? Showing that in the games, important games.”
Alisson is set to be challenged for his spot between the posts by Georgia international Mamardashvili next season, once he completes his transfer from Valencia—a deal that was already in the works last summer.
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Taffarel believes the 24-year-old is seen as a long-term prospect by Liverpool’s scouting team, commenting: “The club made this option there (to sign Mamardashvili), I think a year ago, a year and a bit ago.
“This acquisition of the youngster is possibly with an eye to the future. Yet Alisson remains at an extremely high level. And given his age, coupled with his experience and determination, you know? It’s going to be quite a task for anyone to come in and take over from him, isn’t it?”.
Expectations are that Alisson will be starting when the new champions make their visit to Stamford Bridge for the highly anticipated Sunday afternoon clash against Chelsea.
