Alexis Mac Allister has revealed he didn’t fully appreciate just how good Alisson Becker was until they became teammates at Liverpool.
The pair, both South Americans, previously faced each other at club and international level before striking up a close friendship on Merseyside.
Mac Allister arrived at Anfield from Brighton in the summer of 2023 in a £35m deal, five years after Alisson had joined the Reds from AS Roma for what was then a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
Since his arrival, the 32-year-old Brazilian has cemented himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and several other major honours with Liverpool, while also playing a starring role in Brazil’s 2019 Copa América triumph.
Mac Allister admitted he hadn’t truly rated Alisson among the very best until he witnessed his quality up close in training and competitive matches.
“I tell him, ‘You know, when I was at Brighton, I didn’t understand what the hype was all about. I didn’t really rate you’,” the Argentine told ESPN.
“Now, damn! I have to admit, you’re the best. Well, ok, you, Dibu [Martinez] and [Thibaut] Courtois.”
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