Alisson has made 245 appearances for the Reds, keeping over 100 clean sheets over several years where he has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history.
Since joining in 2018 from Roma, Alisson has had little competition to deal with. Only Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up and replaced him on certain occasions, but Alisson forced himself right back into the side no matter how well Kelleher played.
Now, as the veteran prepares to turn 34, many are questioning his future, especially as Giorgi Mamardashvili steps up to the mark.
Speaking in association with Nettotobak, Friedel has stated that Alisson should stay as long as possible as replacing him is impossible.
“You have to look at the greats, your goalkeeping greats, and what happened for a short time while teams try and figure out how to replace them. It usually takes a while.
“Look at what happened to United when (Peter) Schmeichel left and how long it took to find (Edwin) van der Sar, how many goalkeepers they went through before they got there. I know (Fabien) Barthez was there for a short while, but he wasn’t Van der Sar.
“I think Alisson is the best. I like all parts of his game. I think he doesn’t have a true weakness. Are there people that might be a little better with their feet? Yes, but he is still very good with his feet.
“I have no idea what is going on with his contract, but I would do everything I possibly could to keep him there for as long as possible - squeeze every ounce of talent that you can out of the guy until he can’t walk any more, then give him an incredible send-off and shake his hand.”
Reports have suggested that this may be Alisson’s final season at the club and that Mamardashvili may step in to replace the Brazilian who isn’t getting any younger.