“The transfer fee has already been paid off”

LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Alisson paid back his mega transfer fee with his late save against Napoli on Tuesday.

That is the opinion of former Liverpool striker and BT Sport pundit Michael Owen.

Alisson pulled off a stunning stop in second-half stoppage time to prevent Arkadiusz Milik from scoring in the Champions League Group C clash.

Had Alisson not saved Milik’s effort, Liverpool were almost certain to have exited the competition.

But the hosts held on for a 1-0 victory to send them through to the knockout stages.

And speaking after the game, Owen said Alisson has already shown why the club spent £66,8million on him.

“It’s a mental game really, isn’t it?” Owen said.

“For all Liverpool’s chances and dominance, in the last minute it could have been so different.

“Listen, it’s not the greatest save in the world, but wow, is it important. He’s quick off his line, he’s made himself big.

“That save alone probably gets the transfer fee back for him.

“Getting into the next round you’re talking tens of millions aren’t you?

“It’s a fabulous save, sharp off his line.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was thrilled with his goalkeeper after the match.

And he joked he would have paid double if he knew how good he was.

“If I knew Alisson was this good I would have paid double,” Klopp said.

“It was not only one save. He had a lot of things to do tonight.

“How cool and calm he was with the ball helps us a lot in our build-up situations.

“When he comes out for crosses he is outstanding. And, yes, that save was just incredible.” — Express Sport