'Alisson was starting most of our play'
Alisson Becker's distribution was a notable aspect of the goalkeeper's Liverpool debut on Saturday – and Andy Robertson has explained its positive influence on the rest of the team.
The Brazil international made his first appearance for the Reds in Dublin as they claimed an impressive 5-0 victory over Serie A side Napoli.
Liverpool’s dominance of the game meant Carlo Ancelotti’s team rarely seriously threatened Alisson’s clean sheet, but he nevertheless had an impact on proceedings with his passing out from the back.
“All goalkeepers are different so it takes a bit of time but today will help the defence and help him know how we play as well,” Robertson told Liverpoolfc.com after the game.
“I thought he looked very comfortable and I think we adapted to him quite easily.
“He was very comfortable on the ball five minutes in and it meant we could show for it and he was starting most of our play, so it was a very good performance from him, but overall the squad performed very well today.”
Watch Alisson's highlights against Napoli
Having completed his transfer from AS Roma in July, Alisson joined up with the Reds for the first time at their training camp in Evian at the beginning of last week.
Jürgen Klopp noted the 25-year-old is ‘more a thinker than speaker’ but he has adapted to his new surroundings without fuss so far.
“From day one he settled in quite quickly,” said Robertson.
“I think everyone knew from his first interview he spoke very good English so the settling-in period is over for him and I think he is very much part of the squad.
“Today he looked at home, he looked comfortable and when he was called upon he made the saves he had to make, so long may that continue and that will give him more confidence than he has already got and hopefully that will stand us in good stead for the season ahead.”