Alisson: £65m price tag means I must be perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson concedes that a £65 million ($84m) price tag has led to expectations that he must be “perfect”.

The Brazil international become the most expensive shot-stopper in world football over the summer when Jurgen Klopp moved to lure him to Anfield from Roma.

Chelsea’s £71m ($91m) deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga nudged Alisson down that list shortly after his arrival on Merseyside, but big things are still demanded of the South American.

The 26-year-old has been honoured as the finest goalkeeper on the planet in the Goal 50, and has helped Liverpool to make an unbeaten start to their 2018-19 Premier League campaign, but he is aware that added pressure has been placed on his shoulders.

Alisson told reporters after linking up with Brazil for the latest round of international fixtures: “I came here for a high price and some people expect me to be perfect - it is not easy but I'm trying.

“It is really early to say if I'm satisfied with how I'm playing but I'm working to be perfect, I'm working to be better.

“I am really, really happy with my move to the Premier League. I'm working really hard to help Liverpool to achieve their goals and also for the Brazil national team.”

Alisson admits that his cause at Anfield has been aided by those in front of him.

While he has been brought in to provide a reliable last line of defence, Liverpool have also spent big landing Dutch centre-half Virgil van Dijk and seen the likes of Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson further their impressive developments.

“The Premier League has great intensity, you have to be really focused all the time,” said Alisson.

“One thing that is important here is the concentration and focus. They are asking me to be really mentally strong.

“My team have a really great defence so it is not often the ball comes near my net.

“But I have one or two opportunities to show my quality, so I need to be focused all the time.”