Daniel Sturridge has hailed the impact Alisson Becker has had on Liverpool since joining the club in 2018.
When the Brazilian arrived at Anfield, Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius had been competing for the goalkeeper jersey at Anfield, but it was clear that Jurgen Klopp needed a stronger presence between the sticks.
Sturridge was also in the Liverpool dressing room when Alisson arrived, and the pair were reunited at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday ahead of the Premier League showdown between the Reds and Manchester City.
As they embraced, Sturridge's Sky Sports colleague Micah Richards threw out the classic "football friends" line from The Inbetweeners, and it was clear that the mutual respect was strong.
Once Alisson departed, Sturridge explained exactly why his ex-teammate is so special.
Daniel Sturridge 🤝 Alisson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gaGsUyxNgx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 25, 2023
Daniel Sturridge on Alisson Becker
"As a human being, just an amazing guy," said the former striker. "Really kind. One of my favourite teammates, we got along really well, always had banter.
"Before the games, we'd do the set pieces and whatnot, I was always close on the 'keeper, so we'd always have banter back and forth.
"When he signed for Liverpool, the impact he had on the football club... Simon Mignolet, a fantastic goalkeeper, don't get me wrong, and Karius, but when Alisson came in, there was that assurance back there that we had someone that we believed in.
"We did believe in those guys but I think he's just come in and been absolutely unbelievable. I'm really proud of him as well, he's a family man."
Liverpool will certainly need Alisson to be at his very best on Saturday afternoon, in order to stop Erling Haaland et al, as the Premier League's top two go head-to-head in a potentially classic encounter.
"Football friends." 😂
All good vibes between Daniel Sturridge and Alisson Becker 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WR12D7os0h— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 25, 2023
