Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s Mr Consistent in quest for quadruple

Chelsea will not need reminding of the role Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper played in their downfall when the sides last met at Wembley. The form of Liverpool’s first choice – or “the best goalie in the world” to use Jürgen Klopp’s description – places a greater obstacle between Thomas Tuchel’s side and payback in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

In a quadruple-chasing season featuring a club record 142 goals and counting, the dazzling impact of Luis Díaz, the world-class consistency of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, and the contract doubts that surround them both, it is understandable the spotlight has settled only fleetingly on Alisson Becker. Yet as the away section at Villa Park recognised after Tuesday’s vital win over Aston Villa, when chanting the Brazilian’s name long after the final whistle, his contribution to Liverpool’s remarkable campaign cannot be overstated.

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In many respects the 29-year-old shaped this campaign from the outset with the 95th-minute winner at West Bromwich Albion last season that kept Klopp’s injury-hit team on course for Champions League qualification. “Now let’s try to win it this season and then it will be even more special,” said Alisson when reflecting on his centre-forward’s header in August. Liverpool are one step from granting that particular wish.

The perfectionist in Alisson will have been annoyed by his part in Douglas Luiz’s opener for Villa and the error that gifted Ollie Watkins possession just outside the Liverpool penalty area. The unflappable professional in Alisson ensured neither affected his game, however, and two fine saves from Danny Ings helped secure the 2-1 victory that kept Liverpool on