Liverpool goalkeeper coach John Achterberg has recalled bringing Alisson to the club from Roma.

The Dutchman had stayed in touch with Alisson's fellow South American shot-stopper Doni, who enjoyed a brief cameo between the sticks a decade ago.

And it was because of the ­relationship between the pair that the Reds coach was made aware of Alisson's growing reputation.

Achterberg revealed to AD: “Many years ago, it was Doni who told me that I should keep a close eye on a young keeper over in Brazil.

“He said, 'Keep watching ­Alisson Becker – he's got something'.

“So I tracked his career and watched him a lot when he was in Serie A with Roma.

“When the club was searching for a new keeper, his name came up.

“I've got no influence on our budgets and I can't decide which keeper we will bring in, but I do offer advice when it comes to keepers.

“And, when the time was right, I was happy to pass on what I knew."