Alisson on learning, changing and life at Liverpool

The Brazil goalkeeper joined the Reds from AS Roma in the summer after receiving glowing references about the set-up at the club from compatriots Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

Alisson has met new challenges in the Premier League, notably in making an error during the clash with Leicester City at the beginning of this month, but still boasts four clean sheets from his first six appearances in the division.

His influence on Jürgen Klopp’s team was evident from the outset and the stopper is embracing the task of tweaking and improving his skills in a new environment.

“Things are different here to other countries and I’ve learned that I can’t wait for the referee or expect the referee to call the foul,” said the No.13.

“[Now] I will take less risks and when the options aren’t appearing I will clear it into the stands or play a long ball up front.

“The secret of the wise man is to learn from the errors of others. However, unfortunately in the Leicester game it was my error. I do take some risks and leave it late to play the ball but I’ll stop taking these risks in the Premier League because of the different style of play, the physicality and the different refereeing styles.

“Goalkeepers have always been an essential part of the team. It’s not just the technical qualities they need but the leadership qualities to help out the team and their communication skills too. They are characteristics that I believe I possess.

“I am always looking to improve my technical ability and communication with the team, and making myself available for the ball when needed. This is becoming an increasing demand of goalkeepers in world football.”

Alisson built a formidable reputation during his spell with Roma and competition for the signature of a player who represented Brazil at the World Cup was fierce.

But positive reports on the inner workings of Liverpool from current Reds forward Firmino and former playmaker Coutinho added to the goalkeeper’s conviction that Anfield was the place for him.

“We talked about the way the club is set up, the structure and the staff. We also talked about the belief and the sort of family atmosphere at the club. It’s not just a football club, we are one big family,” he said of conversations with Coutinho.

“He spoke highly of Jürgen and he spoke about the players. He said there is no vanity in the squad but it’s a very ambitious squad with a strong desire to win. I saw that on the pitch.

“What Coutinho told me added to what I had already witnessed playing here at Anfield and then when I came and signed here it all came together and made sense. What Coutinho said and what I saw with my own eyes came together and one contributed to the other.

“Also, Coutinho said he was very happy here with his family, which is really important. Our wives spoke to each other and they said they had a great time living here.”

Alisson continued: “It’s difficult to leave your country, your culture and come to a new country. My family were really happy in Rome.

“I spoke to a lot of people about coming to Liverpool – specifically Bobby and Coutinho. They were very complimentary about the lifestyle here. They only said really positive things.

“My expectations have actually been exceeded. There is a great structure and they look after everything you need off the pitch. That allows us to concentrate on playing the game, doing what we love.

“My family are really happy here. I’ve signed a long contract and I’m hoping to spend a happy amount of years here.”