PSG dominated but we had ereatest No 1, says Van Dijk

In one of the many moments where Paris Saint-Germain swarmed the Liverpool box, Virgil van Dijk was conscious of the need to snap on any loose ball.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

The French side’s attackers were that quick. Except, he and the rest of the Liverpool defence found they often didn’t need to.

Goalkeeper Alisson wasn’t just making fine saves, but essentially clearing the ball from the area with the strongest hands you’re likely to see from a goalkeeper. It represented quite a difference to some of his Premier League rivals, who have so often been guilty of palming the ball directly into the path of opposition players.

Luis Enrique later said that “the goalkeeper decided which way the game went”, with Alisson himself describing it as the performance of his life.

Van Dijk was only too willing to continue with the superlatives. “Listen, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world,” the centre-half said. “I’ve mentioned it many times in the past and he showed it again on the biggest stage. I think he has shown already since day one he joined the club he is a world-class goalkeeper and he’s reminded everyone that’s still the case.”

Part of the reason for a reminder, of course, is that Alisson has not really needed to be anywhere near as good this season. Liverpool have been in control of so many matches under Arne Slot. The Premier League leaders have imposed their game.