Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Michael Owen has made a huge statement about goalkeeper Alisson following the Reds’ slender 1-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Jurgen Klopp’s side required a victory to seal their progress into the knockout phase but they had to work hard for the outcome after ArekMilik nearly scored the leveller for Napoli in injury time.

Thankfully, Alisson was at the right spot with a strong hand to push the attempt over the bar and speaking after the game, Owen believes the Brazilian has already made up for the hefty transfer fee paid by the Blues earlier in the summer, he said: “It’s a mental game really isn’t it. 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.”

With the result, “the Reds finished on the same number of points (9) as Napoli but they managed to progress to the knockout phase“ of the competition based on the goals scored during the group phase. Meanwhile, for Napoli, they have faced another early exit from the elite competition but they still have the chance of claiming European silverware when “they enter the round“ of 32 stage of the Europa League next year.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League with 42 points on the board but they face a rather tricky game against Manchester United this weekend. The Reds have unquestionably been the better team over the first half of the season but they have struggled against United historically with just one league triumph since 2014.