Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool will win every match without injured Alisson on one condition - Moreno
LIVERPOOL will win every match without injured goalkeeper Alisson as long as backup stopper Adrian can be “solid” if not spectacular.
Liverpool will be ‘just fine’ despite Alisson injury claims Moreno
That is according to ESPN FC pundit and former Major League Soccer star Alejandro Moreno.
Alisson is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a calf injury in Liverpool’s opening day win over Norwich.
The Brazil No 1 pulled up when attempting a goal kick in the first half and had to be substituted.
Spaniard Adrian, who was released by West Ham at the end of last season, only joined Liverpool last week but is now set for a prolonged period between the Anfield sticks.
If he’s solid, Liverpool are good enough to win all those matches that we just saw
Moreno admits it is extremely difficult to replicate the impact Alisson has on the Liverpool team.
But he believes, with matches coming up against the likes of Chelsea, Southampton and Arsenal, all Adrian has to do is be solid and Liverpool will be fine.
“People may appreciate that Alisson can make a save here and there, and world-class saves at that,” Moreno said.
“But I think what’s even more important as to what he does is because he’s able to make those saves, it frees everybody else in front of him to play and to be able to take chances and to be able to defend in a different way, knowing that you don’t have to be perfect because you know you have a guy behind who, if need be, he’s going to come up with the goods.
“He’s going to come up with the saves and he’s going to keep you in the game.
“That’s what having a guy like Alisson provides for you.
“Of course you’re going to miss it.
“But Liverpool is so far ahead of everybody else outside of Manchester City in the Premier League that they’re going to be dominating most games.
Liverpool: Klopp glad to have 'experienced' Adrian
“They’re going to have most of the possession, they’re going to have most of the transition.
“They’re going to have the chances, they’re going to have the goals.
“So it’s not so much about what Liverpool is not going to be able to do without Alisson, as much as it is Adrian gets an opportunity, all he has to be is solid.
“If he’s solid, Liverpool are good enough to win all those matches that we just saw on the screen.”