Liverpool legend raises bold Alisson suggestion to Arne Slot after injury absence

Liverpool legend John Aldridge reckons Alisson should not walk back into the Reds starting line-up due to the strong performances of Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Brazilian, who is Liverpool's first choice goalkeeper, has been out with a hamstring injury since the Reds 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last month. In his place, Kelleher has deputised, like he has in seasons prior, with the Republic of Ireland shot stopper putting in a string of impressive performances for Arne Slot's side.

But, with Alisson now pushing for a return following the November international break, Slot has been left with a decision to make over who will start for Liverpool during the busy winter period. Last week, the Dutchman said: "First of all, Alisson needs to become fit.

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"I have always been quite clear, that's always been the position of Alisson. He is and will be our first goalkeeper if he is fit. But first he needs to be fit. But Caoimhin has done outstanding, last season and this season again as well but the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper."

However, one individual who doesn't believe Slot should be so quick to change his goalkeepers is Aldridge, who wants to see Kelleher continue to start over Alisson. Writing in his weekly Liverpool Echo column, Aldridge wrote: "Caoimhin Kelleher has been magnificent and I actually think Arne Slot has got a really big decision to make in the next few weeks. Once Alisson is fit, I don’t think it’s fair if Kelleher gets demoted to the bench.

"I think he’s been absolutely first-class. He’s been faultless with everything he has done in the games, and I think Ali will be looking at it and be embarrassed if he went back in because he’s done such a good job."

Aldridge continued: "So it’s a big dilemma what he does in that position. Just say, for instance, Ben Doak had come in when Mohamed Salah was injured last season and scored 10 goals in five games. What would you do? Put Mo straight back in?

"It’s sleepless nights because football always used to be that if you were scoring goals, you stayed in the team. If you’re keeping clean sheets, you stay in the team. It’s going to be really interesting and it’s going to be difficult for the manager."

Liverpool.com says: "While we can see where Aldridge is coming from, it feels as though when it comes to the goalkeeping position, having a clear number one is the way to go. Kelleher has played well in between the sticks while Alisson has been injured, but there is no doubt the latter is the better of the two goalkeepers. Ultimately, Kelleher's strong performances will end up securing him a move away from Anfield next summer, especially with the incoming arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia."