'Thank god we have him' - Alisson wins high praise after crucial save against Napoli

Liverpool survived a evening full of nerves and frustration with a crucial 1-0 win against Napoli which secures their path through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

A piece of Mo Salah individual brilliance was the difference when he broke away from the close checking of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly to slot the ball past David Ospina (who is on loan to the Italian side from Arsenal) in the 34th minute.
 

While the goal was obviously a key moment, without the point blank save by Alisson from Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik in injury time, the Reds would be plying their trade on Thursday nights in the Europa League come the second half of the season.

The Brazillian was naturally the main talking point after the game, winning a great deal of praise from manager and teammates alike.

Sky Sports reported Jurgen Klopp as saying:

"The goalie made the save of the season. I have no clue how he made that save. 

" Thank God we have him. If I'd known how good he was, I'd have paid double ... I think nobody expected a save in that situation. It's a goal, no?

" It was unbelievable, what the boys they did tonight, it was so special. They created such an incredible atmosphere I am still full of adrenaline about it, just unbelievable

“I'm not sure a manager was ever more proud of a team than I am at the moment."

Meanwhile Virgil Van Dijk who formed a great partnership with Joel Matip on the evening, was also glowing of the performance by the gloveman.

Speaking to the Official site after the game Van Dijk said:

" He’s been fantastic for Liverpool and for us.

“[He’s a] great character, a great guy and he helps us all. He gives confidence to everyone. That’s how it is and how it should be as well, for the whole team."

While one goal was enough to see the Reds, in truth they should have been out of sight with a number of wasted chances.

Sadio Mane one of the main offenders as the Senegalise star missed two guilt-edged chances in the last ten minutes.

Van Dijk said the win should have been more comfortable, but was proud of the way the team defended all over the pitch.

“We should’ve made it a bit easier I think, but the job is done and we’re through to the knockout stages.

"We could’ve made it a bit easier if we’d scored two more, but in the end, especially for us at the back and in the midfield [it’s about] keeping it tight, win your headers, and we did it.

" In the end, [we’re] very pleased. 

That Ali needs to make the fantastic save is something that wasn’t really necessary if we’d scored all the goals - including myself. But like I said, we’re through.”

While it is true that the margin should have been bigger, Van Dijk has a extremely valid point that we are through and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

Despite the play in the attacking third being patchy at best throughout the season, there are bound to be some nervous teams seeing the name of Liverpool in the hat on Monday when the draw for the round of 16 is made.