Alisson Becker’s stint as the most expensive goalkeeper in the world may have lasted less than three weeks.
But there’s another reason why there has been precious little talk regarding the eye-watering £65million transfer fee Liverpool paid Roma for the Brazil international’s services.
It appears money well spent. Barely two months into his debut season, Alisson is already making a noticeable positive difference between the sticks for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
And that start to his Anfield career has already seen him surpass some of the best goalkeepers in the Reds’ modern history.
Alisson has conceded only three goals in his first eight league games – the best such record of any Liverpool keeper since their return to the top flight in 1962.
Of course, the Brazilian has been helped by being introduced to a strong defence marshalled by Virgil van Dijk. But with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City among the teams faced, many of the opposing attacks have been strong.
Second in the list, surprisingly, is Loris Karius with six goals in his first eight league games, although he was introduced partway through a season behind an already settled defence.
Again, context is everything. Indeed, after conceding six in his next two Premier League games to Bournemouth and West Ham United, Karius was then bombed out of the team.
Next up are Simon Mignolet and Jerzy Dudek with seven goals conceded, while Pepe Reina, Mike Hooper, Bruce Grobbelaar and Tommy Lawrence let in eight.
Meanwhile, the most difficult opening to a Reds league career was that of Brad Friedel, who leaked 15 goals in his first eight games.
GOALS CONCEDED AFTER FIRST EIGHT LEAGUE GAMES FOR LIVERPOOL SINCE 1962: 3 – Alisson Becker, 6 – Loris Karius, 7 – Simon Mignolet, Jerzy Dudek, 8 – Pepe Reina, Bruce Grobbelaar, Mike Hooper, Tommy Lawrence, 9 – Chris Kirkland, Ray Clemence, 10 – Brad Jones, Sander Westerveld, 11 – David James, 15 – Brad Friedel.