Alisson Becker To Return for Liverpool’s Premier League Clash Against Wolves
Liverpool fans have much to smile about as the club’s first choice goalkeeper is set to return from injury as the Reds prepare to play their Premier League clash against Wolves at Molineux. The Brazilian shot-stopper missed the last two matches from injury, but according to his manager Arne Slot, Alisson is fit and ready to be included in the team again for that all-important clash.
Since Liverpool is in fine fettle at the moment and sitting second in the Premier League, Alisson coming back only adds one more layer of strength to the Reds’ campaign as it looks to continue the title challenge.
Alisson’s Return: a Boost for Liverpool
Alisson Becker was no less missed at the start of the fray, even when deputy Caoimhin Kelleher played fairly well in the Brazilian’s place. Manager Arne Slot had expressed his satisfaction over Alisson’s recovery and readiness to regain the pitch during the pre-match press conference. “He trained yesterday as part of our session with the group, so we’re expecting him to do the whole session today,” said Slot.
We feel he is available, but obviously we have to train today. And of course we are very happy that Alisson is back, but I want to put on record that Caoimhin did very well in the two games he was in goal for us.
Kelleher went good, however, Alisson is of a different class for the backline of the Reds. Sharp shot-stopping, solid presence, and leadership, -returning Alisson indeed opens a different page for the Reds when they enter one of the busiest periods in terms of fixtures.
A Reliable Deputy Caoimhin Kelleher
While this is, undoubtedly, welcome news, Slot made sure to highlight the exceptional work of Kelleher during his absence. This 24-year-old Irishman has often proven himself as a comfortable backup option for Alisson, and in the last two games, he showed everyone why he is classed as one of the very best second-choice goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Slot praised Kelleher: “Another example of me having two, and I think even three, good options in certain positions.” The confidence of the Liverpool manager in his goalkeeping department and, indeed most departments reflects the depth from where he took over from Jurgen Klopp and which has been pivotal for the consistency of the team across competitions.
These last two matches have both been testimony to calmness displayed by Kelleher as well as shot-stopping qualities, so losing Alisson is no reason for the Reds to give up on what has turned out to be a cracking season.
Kelleher’s input over the mentioned period also ensures that the coaching staff would have a couple of dependable substitutes between the sticks for such eventsuality to occur sooner rather than later.
Strong Season by Liverpool So Far
Liverpool had made a brilliant start to the Premier League season, winning four of their first five matches, and were a point behind the defending champions, Manchester City, when they suffered that minor blip in a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest.
New Manager Arne Slot, in his first season with Liverpool and with the clout of club legend Jurgen Klopp, scored an instant impact. Slot admitted that though the start has been good for Liverpool, they must still look to improve: “I think it’s been a positive start, with the small disappointment of losing at home against Nottingham Forest.”
But the continuity of style and philosophy under Jurgen Klopp has been key to Liverpool’s early success. Slot acknowledged continuity, “The style we play, the way we play, it’s still very close to what you guys were used to for nine years, which is quite normal because we almost have all the same players Jurgen had.”
Slot retorts by emphasizing the crux of consistency in terms of strategy and players, as Liverpool’s squad still retains the heart of the same core group which has brought them success over the course of the past two seasons. The familiarity helped the team to get up to speed quite easily after the managerial change over the summer.
Next Match: Wolves
Liverpool will look to take full advantage from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have had a disastrous start to the season, sitting near the bottom of the table. That puts the visitors as favourites to take all three points.
And while Wolves are sitting snugly in the standings after a series of road wins, Slot’s not assuming anything goes when it comes to the Premier League, which always manages to surprise. “Every home game you lose is disappointing, especially if it’s not against a side that’s battling for a top-four position, although you never know what to make of Nottingham Forest this season,” Slot said, reflecting on the unpredictability of the league.
Under new management and with all the pressure to turn the season around, Wolves would be quite a threat, more so at home. The main need for Liverpool, who need not to slip up, is that Alisson Becker must guarantee the team keeps the defensive bulwark together and hence back in action.
Slot’s Pragmatic Approach to the Season
There’s been great evidence, obviously, that Arne Slot, given his pragmatic and measured approach in getting the better of early-season tests, has challenged Liverpool when he needed to. Crucial players missing matches such as Alisson Becker indicates Slot being rather surprisingly reliant on what he had at his disposal and trusting players to raise their game when needed. His response about Kelleher’s performance reiterates that it is also a well-rounded squad required to handle the rigors of an extended Premier League season.
Slot has also appreciated the need to keep results going. In addition, the fixture list has been pretty good so far, especially in the first quarter of the season. “Keeping the result going is a good thing. Again, I have to mention that the fixture list has been good to us,” he said. Tougher tests lie ahead of Liverpool, though, and Slot will be looking for his main men to get through the campaign fit and in form.
Conclusion
Alisson Becker, who featured for Liverpool in the season’s Premier League fixture against Wolves is a big improvement going into their lively start this season. To praise from Arne Slot that both Alisson and Kelleher were magnificent sets stiff competition for places in the squad that will keep working to higher standards.
Liverpool will love putting things right against Wolves. With Alisson set to return, there would be confidence and security in defense, and after going along with the Reds’ goal towards Premier League glory, everyone’s eyes are glued on their star for his return to action.
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