Nick Pope vs Alisson Becker: Who should Liverpool sign?

Liverpool’s incredible 2017/18 season resulted in a heartbreak as they lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. A couple of howlers from Loris Karius gifted the trophy to the Spanish giants.

The 24-year-old had acted as a brilliant replacement for Simon Mignolet and even delivered some towering performances between the sticks to earn Jurgen Klopp’s trust. But after the massacre in Kiev, Klopp must weigh up his options in the transfer market.

Since the transfer window commenced, Alisson Becker has been linked with a move to join Liverpool.

He enjoyed a majestic season with AS Roma, therefore earning the attention of the English giants. But due to their staggering £79m asking price, Liverpool might have to shift their focus elsewhere.

If reports are to be believed, the Merseysiders have enquired about the availability of Burnley custodian Nick Pope.

After all, he played a major role in guiding the Clarets to clinch an unforeseen Europa League qualification spot.

While the English minnows finished in the 7th spot in the league standings, the 26-year-old Pope’s brilliance earned him a place in the 23-man England squad that made it to Russia for the World Cup.

Also, a deal for Pope would prove to be beneficial for Liverpool from an economic standpoint as well. Pope clinched 12 clean sheets in 35 Premier League outings last season, compared to Alisson’s 17 in 37 Serie A games.

The Brazilian conceded 28 goals in the process but on the other hand, the Englishman conceded 35 goals throughout the competition.

Pope might seem inferior to Alisson statistically, but protecting Burnley’s goal in such a disciplined and composed manner deserves massive acknowledgement.

However, Pope has only had one impressive campaign so far and he should be monitored for another term prior to deriving conclusions.

Pope’s presence of mind, reflexes and close-range saves are absolutely incredible. But the level of expectations are much higher in a club of Liverpool’s stature and recruiting the Burnley custodian will not be an upgrade.

The Reds, therefore, must either target prolific names or continue with Karius as the first-choice keeper.