Following the Premier League’s 2026/27 Matchweek 4 conclusion, attention turns once more to the men between the posts.
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker produced another solid display in the Reds’ goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield, securing a clean sheet, while Chelsea’s new signing Emiliano Martinez was busy in a 2-2 stalemate against Hull City, making several important stops that Hull’s manager Sergej Jakirovic later called worthy of a ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Former Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel has been full of praise for both.
Alisson still the main man at Anfield
On Alisson, he is clear that the Brazilian remains the main man at Anfield and shows no signs of slowing down.
“Alisson is magnificent and still the main guy for Liverpool who could play on for many more years,” Friedel said exclusively to Jackpot City Casino.
“Alisson is still the main guy, and everyone ages out eventually, but he’s not aging out yet.
“As a goalkeeper, you continually assess performance season by season. Van der Sar played into his 40s, David Seaman and Peter Schmeichel played well into their late 30s and 40s, and Buffon did as well.
“In December they’ll think about January and as long as he’s still at the levels and then they’ll assess again. If you stay free of major injuries and stay mentally sharp.
“Alisson has the top-level mentality where mistakes don’t rattle him.
“You squeeze every last bit of brilliance out of him for as long as possible, because finding another Alisson is extremely difficult and expensive.
“I’ve loved watching the guy over the years. I think he’s been magnificent and I still think he’s magnificent.”
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Martinez brings proven winning mentality to Chelsea
Turning to Chelsea’s new No.1, Friedel is equally complimentary about the Argentina World Cup winner’s move from Villa Park to Stamford Bridge.
“Emiliano Martínez is a proven winner and one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Even if he makes the occasional mistake, his mentality and resilience are top-class. He brings a winning mentality to Chelsea, making it a very strong signing.”
Looking ahead
With Matchweek 5 just days away – Chelsea travel to Brentford on Friday, September 18, and Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, September 20 – both keepers will again be central to their sides’ hopes.
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