Liverpool are already losing two leaders. Letting Alisson leave as well would be a mistake

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Letting Alisson leave as well would be a mistakeAlisson is one of Liverpool's most important leaders Dan Mullan/Getty Images Share articleAlisson stood applauding on the touchline before raising a clenched fist in the direction of Freddie Woodman. Liverpool’s long-serving No 1 was showing his appreciation for an outstanding save from the club’s third-choice goalkeeper to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta. Woodman’s heroics had sparked a blistering counter-attack that ended with Andy Robertson firing home the hosts’ second goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. After the final whistle, Alisson made a beeline for Woodman and wrapped his arms around him like a proud father. He’s been a great source of help and support for the former England Under-21 international all season and was on hand to provide advice ahead of his full league debut for Liverpool. Alisson is set to return to Arne Slot’s side for Sunday’s Premier League clash with old foes Manchester United at Old Trafford, following six weeks out with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian’s lofty status in the pantheon of legendary Liverpool goalkeepers is illustrated by the fact he’s just one clean sheet away from moving above Elisha Scott (137) in the club’s all-time list. “The greatest I’ve ever seen,” was how Everton icon Dixie Dean once described Scott, whose remarkable Anfield career spanned from 1912 to 1934. Only Ray Clemence (323), Bruce Grobbelaar (267), and Pepe Reina (177) have overseen more shutouts for Liverpool than Alisson, who merits parity with captain Virgil van Dijk in terms of the most transformative signings the club has made in the Premier League era. When Liverpool triggered their one-year option last month to extend Alisson’s contract until the summer of 2027, any lingering doubts over his future appeared to have been dispelled. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who arrived on Merseyside last July after a £29million ($39.3m) deal was struck with Valencia the previous summer, was bought as Alisson’s long-term successor. However, it’s been a mixed first season at Anfield for the 25-year-old Georgia international, whose shot-stopping has been considerably more impressive than his distribution across 18 appearances in all competitions. Another year for Mamardashvili to play second fiddle, continue to learn from the best in the business, and attempt to make the necessary improvements feels like a common-sense approach. At the age of 33, Alisson is hardly a veteran in goalkeeping terms. But despite his contract recently being extended, a sense of uncertainty beyond the end of this season remains. Sources close to Alisson denied reports in Italy last week that he had reached a verbal agreement with Juventus over a potential return to Serie A — eight years after signing for Liverpool from Roma for £65million ($88m). Juventus are currently considering their options as they look to upgrade their goalkeeping department this summer. Alisson, who previously worked under Juve boss Luciano Spalletti at Roma, is admired. “We don’t react to rumours,” was Slot’s response when the topic came up during last Friday’s press conference at Kirkby. When speaking with reporters after the press conference, the head coach was asked if Liverpool could really afford to lose another legendary figure this summer, given the upcoming departures of Mohamed Salah and Robertson. “I think the club is run in a certain way and we make decisions that the club thinks are in the best interests of the club,” Slot said. “The history of all the transfers shows that nothing was done without a purpose. “The people who make these decisions take everything into account. It (experience) is definitely one argument to keep him, but there are other arguments. That is a decision the club has to make if that is needed.” The Dutchman didn’t exactly slam the door shut regarding a possible summer exit for Alisson. Maybe that’s because Slot is only part of the decision-making process with sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football, Michael Edwards. Maybe it depends on what offers for Alisson are forthcoming, as triggering their one-year option protects his value and avoids the prospect of losing another star for nothing. Although in terms of Juventus, it’s hard to envisage them paying a significant transfer fee as well as matching his wages of around £250,000 ($338,000) per week. Maybe it hinges on whether the player weighs up his options in the coming weeks and ultimately decides he wants to embark on a new challenge. Given his service, it wouldn’t be easy to stand in his way. Alisson has stayed loyal in recent years when he could have pocketed much greater riches from moving to the Saudi Pro League. When the time finally comes to leave Liverpool, he will be determined to depart on good terms. His fitness record is a concern. Having missed 17 league matches across his first five seasons at Liverpool combined, he’s sat out 29 in the three campaigns since. Liverpool’s medical staff have been trying to get to the bottom of why he’s had three bad hamstring injuries in the past 18 months. When available, Alisson remains a class act, and you also have to factor in the leadership he provides. When he speaks in the dressing room, team-mates listen. He commands the respect of his peers. With Salah and vice-captain Robertson boasting more than 800 appearances for Liverpool between them, Slot is already losing two big personalities who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level. There are also question marks over the futures of Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez, given that the long-serving duo are close to entering the final year of their existing deals. Ibrahima Konate has said he expects to sign an extension to keep him at Liverpool beyond this season, but he has yet to put pen to paper. Coming up to two years ago, Jurgen Klopp left behind an elite culture and a leadership group that consisted of Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Alisson, and Salah. In a month’s time, only Van Dijk and Alisson will remain. Van Dijk talked after the recent Merseyside derby triumph about how new leaders will need to step up to help fill the void. Dominik Szoboszlai is one obvious candidate, given his growing importance to the team and the fact that he already wears the captain’s armband for Hungary. “You grow into that role or you already have it in you,” Van Dijk said. “That is something players have to show even more next season.  The new vice-captain? I don’t want to say (who he would pick), but I definitely have my opinion and I always share my opinion.” Liverpool brought down the average age of the squad with the business they did last summer. Once again, they will invest in youth in the upcoming transfer window. However, they need to learn lessons from a year ago and guard against too much change in too short a period. A balance has to be struck between exciting potential and proven seasoned pros. The transition has to be staggered. Slot is already losing enough experience this summer without Alisson also waving goodbye. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms