David Lynch Heaps Praise on ‘World-Class’ Liverpool Star After Dramatic West Ham United Win | OneFootball

Alisson Becker Proves His Class Again as Liverpool Close in on Title

As Liverpool edged closer to a historic Premier League title under Arne Slot, their narrow 2-1 victory over West Ham United served as yet another showcase of elite-level quality and composure. But while Virgil van Dijk grabbed the headlines with a dramatic late winner, and Andy Robertson was unfortunate to score an own-goal that briefly levelled the match, it was Alisson Becker who truly underlined the gulf in class that still exists between him and virtually every other goalkeeper in the league.

Speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, respected journalist David Lynch delivered a pointed analysis of Alisson’s performance, noting that “we talk about him quite a lot and about how good Caoimhin Kelleher is as a backup option, but over the past two games we have seen just how much of a step there is still between them. He’s world-class.”

That step is not just one of ability, but of reliability. It’s the subtle psychology Alisson imposes on opposition attackers, the quiet command that makes even high-pressure moments feel like a formality for the Brazilian.

Match Turned on Alisson’s Shoulders

Before Van Dijk’s header secured all three points and took Liverpool to within two wins of the title, it was Alisson’s interventions that kept the dream alive. In a first half where West Ham carved out several promising openings, it was Alisson who stood tallest—literally and figuratively.

“He gets out quick and makes himself big when Bowen is through on goal, then he tips Kudus’ chip onto the bar and then he shows how good he is with the ball at his feet,” Lynch said, painting the picture of a man not just in form, but in full command of his craft.

Moments like these are why players and fans alike hold Alisson in such regard. It is not just the saves—it is the assurance, the calm under pressure, the economy of movement. He is Liverpool’s foundation stone, and in matches like these, his value can’t be overstated.

Slot’s Reds Keep Nerve as Title Beckons

Arne Slot’s Liverpool have shown a resilience this season that should excite any supporter. Even after Robertson’s own goal, which could have easily destabilised a less mature side, there was no panic—only resolve.

Liverpool found their way back into control, culminating in a towering header from Van Dijk. But even then, it was Alisson’s earlier work that gave them the platform. As Lynch summed it up: “Liverpool don’t have a chance to win that game if it wasn’t for him keeping them out at the other end.”

Slot’s tactical setup, which leans heavily on confident distribution from the back and disciplined pressing in midfield, thrives when underpinned by a goalkeeper like Alisson. His composure in possession is not just useful—it’s essential. It allows the team to reset, to build again. In tight matches where margins are razor-thin, this is the kind of asset that separates champions from contenders.

Photo: IMAGO

Legacy of a Modern Great

There’s a temptation to take Alisson for granted. After all, how often do you see a goalkeeper who routinely makes one-on-one saves look routine? But as David Lynch so aptly put it: “It took one of our own players to score an own-goal for him to eventually concede and he was quite rightly awarded Man of the Match.”

Alisson isn’t just Liverpool’s best goalkeeper since the glory days of Clemence and Grobbelaar—he is arguably one of the best to ever wear the shirt. And if this title charge ends with silverware in May, there will be no question that his fingerprints—gloved and all—are all over it.

In the words of Lynch: “Every time the opposition go through on goal, you always favour Alisson, and that isn’t normal.” Perhaps that’s the highest compliment of all.