Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James hopes Alisson has a sounding board at the club.

After a tough couple of past games, James fears that Alisson will never be himself again. The Brazil international produced error-prone performances in defeats to Leicester City and Manchester City last week.

"It can be argued that all rotation in the back line has affected him. But Alisson has been weak lately and the recent incidents will affect his self-confidence," James told Stadium Astro via Fotboll Transfers.

"I needed to talk to someone during my career when it was hard and it helped. My concern with Alisson is Liverpool's history with goalkeepers in recent years who made mistakes and could not get up. I hope he has someone to talk to and that we get back one of the world's best goalkeepers."

James' comments were made on the eve of Liverpool's victory against Red Bull Leipzig in the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. Held in Budapest, Liverpool won 2-0 with Alisson impressing as he kept a clean sheet.

The 28 year-old has managed 26 appearances for Liverpool so far this season, keeping eight clean sheets. He has conceded 28 goals overall.

James spent seven years at Anfield, playing over 200 games for Liverpool. He helped the Reds win the League Cup for the 1994-95 season.

Liverpool are next in action at Anfield for the derby against Everton on Saturday.

- updated February 17