As Liverpool continue to set the pace in the Premier League, the admiration they attract from peers and rivals alike becomes a testament to their sustained quality. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, no stranger to elite competition himself, offered a revealing insight during a conversation with Ben Foster on Amazon Prime. Pressed to name the finest shot-stopper in world football, Raya didn’t hesitate: “Alisson. Obviously Alisson, Courtois. I really, really like Kobel from Borussia [Dortmund],” he said.
It was a moment of candid appreciation, delivered without agenda. Raya’s response speaks not just to Alisson Becker’s consistency but also his universal influence across footballing cultures. The Brazil international has long been synonymous with composure in chaos, and Raya’s words underscore why: “I think Alisson is just…the one vs ones, he saves everything. I don’t know how he does it, he saves every single one on one.”
There’s a reverence in Raya’s tone, a recognition that what Alisson does is not merely technical but instinctive. His command of angles, anticipation of movements, and ability to close distances defy conventional training. It’s a masterclass in reading the game before it happens. Raya, himself an elite-level keeper, openly admits to learning from Liverpool’s No.1: “Yeah of course, you have to have an open mind just to see how can he be so good in one vs ones, what he does.”
What makes Alisson so formidable, Raya suggests, is not just reflexes but how he processes moments. “He reads those situations so well… the way he reads things is incredible in those situations.” Alisson’s physicality is matched by a psychological edge—an innate understanding of when to pounce. Raya continues: “He’s been one of the top goalkeepers in the world for so many years and the quality he has, the experience. That’s those things that gives you that extra edge to make one vs one saves.”
In a game increasingly dominated by data and marginal gains, Alisson’s decision-making remains refreshingly human—and often infallible. At 32, he blends veteran calm with physical sharpness, qualities Liverpool depend on during their title pursuits. Last week’s emotional letter from Alisson was a reminder that beneath the gloves and medals lies a player who feels deeply. His raw reaction following Liverpool’s title-clinching win over Tottenham was not just personal—it was communal.
This isn’t simply about trophies, though there may be more to come. It’s about a figure who has defined an era for Liverpool, inspired admiration from his peers, and redefined what it means to guard a goal. Raya’s respect doesn’t come lightly. But it is entirely deserved.
Liverpool may have surged ahead to snatch the Premier League crown, leaving Arsenal in its dust, but that hasn't prevented one of the Gunners' talents from heaping praise on a Liverpool luminary. Last month saw Liverpool clinch the title with a resounding 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, which catapulted it 15 points clear of Arsenal, who is lodged in second place with only three games remaining.
The Reds didn't widen their lead to 18 points this past Sunday, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at Chelsea the day after Arsenal's 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth. Nonetheless, they'll get another shot at enhancing their lead this coming weekend when Arne Slot's squad plays host to Mikel Arteta's team at Anfield, in what was once earmarked as a potential decider for the league title.
In anticipation of this high-stakes clash, Arsenal's David Raya has delivered accolades to Liverpool's No. 1, Alisson Becker. Hampered by injuries, Alisson has been limited to 32 appearances out of 53 possible matches for the Reds this campaign. Yet, whenever he's been on form and fit, the Brazilian international has repeatedly validated why a multitude of fans and pundits hold him in high regard as possibly the top goalkeeper worldwide - a sentiment with which Raya concurs.
In conversation with ex-Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster on Amazon Prime, the Spanish shot-stopper was invited to declare who he considers the world's elite in his role. Without hesitation, Raya acclaimed: "Alisson. Obviously Alisson, (Thibaut) Courtois (of Real Madrid). I really, really like (Gregor) Kobel from Borussia (Dortmund)."
“I think Alisson is just...the one vs ones, he saves everything. I don't know how he does it, he saves every single one on one.” The 32-year-old has notched up nine Premier League clean sheets this season, yet the race for the Golden Glove appears to be a duel between Raya, with 12, and Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels, who is at the forefront with 13.
When Foster queried Raya about learning from Alisson, he responded: "Of course, you have to have an open mind just to see how can he be so good in one vs ones, what he does. And it's weird because he's always so close to the ball, when sometimes you don't have that time to get close to the ball, and you have to be set and react. He reads those situations so well where maybe he's (an opponent) made the pass or he's driving with the ball and then the last touch is a bit heavy—so he's on top there. The way he reads things is incredible in those situations. He's been one of the top goalkeepers in the world for so many years and the quality he has, the experience. That's those things that gives you that extra edge to make one vs one saves.”
After the Brazilian shared such a personal and emotional letter with the world last week, we know how important football is to our much-loved player. His celebrations after clinching the title against Tottenham showed just how much it meant to the former Roma man and we hope there’s many more trophies to be won. We’re lucky to have the 32-year-old and long may his Anfield career last.
In conclusion, Alisson Becker's legacy continues to grow with every game, and as he stands as a pillar for Liverpool's ambitions, the football world watches in admiration.
