Liverpool unsuitable defense gave Becker Alison the opportunity to prove he's best keeper for the upcoming world cup

It used to be that being a great Liverpool goalkeeper demanded mastery of the art of doing very little exceedingly well.

Alisson Becker is illustrating that being overworked is equally effective for proving world-class status, his spectacular form an anomaly in an erratic season for his team. On current form, he is the world's best.

Alisson’s name reverberated around Anfield as the Liverpool World Cup contingent was offered a send-off by the Kop after their victory over Southampton. Alisson's beard may have gone, but the capacity to navigate Jürgen Klopp’s side through hairy moments remains intact.

Liverpool had built a comfortable lead over Nathan Jones’ side, only for Alisson to produce a trio of exceptional saves to ensure his team-mates did not pay for a second half nap.

Samuel Edozie and Mohamed Elyounoussi suffered at the hands of Alisson’s weekly Peter Schmeichel impersonation, the No1 a colossal presence when dashing off his line and so courageous he gives the impression he would throw himself in front of a speeding bullet to protect three points.

Then Che Adams offered a knowing, appreciative glance when Alisson pushed aside a goal-bound header. With a less able keeper, Liverpool would have been the subject of another inquiry into sloppy defending.