Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson insists the team plan will not change with Virgil van Dijk on the sidelines after surgery – and he has hit out at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The most recent Merseyside derby was filled with action. Glorious goals, VAR controversy and red cards all filled a hotly-contested ninety minutes – but one event overshadowed the entire game.
Shortly after the Reds took the lead, a cross by Thiago towards Virgil van Dijk led Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to issue a heavy clattering challenge that recklessly left Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk severely injured. It was later confirmed by the club that the Dutch international would require knee surgery and would be unavailable for a considerable period.
Controversially, a red card was not given due to the player being in an offside position despite VAR checking the challenge.
Liverpool ‘keeper Alisson insisted the Reds will progress without their key defender before turning his attention to Pickford.
He told Sky Sports via the Liverpool Echo: “We have everything we need to keep doing our job, playing our football, playing the way we play.
“We don’t need to make changes. Obviously you will miss some things – [like] Virgil’s headers!
“He doesn’t just help us in the defensive phase but attacking and scoring goals as well.
“But this will prove the strength of our team. We are a really strong side with many players who can play.”
“Every goalkeeper has a different way to play and a different way to move.
“But in that moment, 100%, it was not a necessary movement.
“Thinking what I have in my mind when I go for a situation – I go to finish the situation. If I go too soft, I know the opponent can score.
“But everyone has their own way to go for the ball.”
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It is unsurprising that Alisson was critical of Pickford’s hefty lunge, but it is extremely improbable that malicious intent was at play.
However, Pickford’s challenge was perhaps warranted in that attacking moment, though the strength and lunge with much of his body was likely a step too far. In that sense, Alisson does raise valid questions of the necessity of the force used.
