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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has labelled young Reds stopper Marcelo Pitaluga “really special” as he continues his development.

The Reds have cemented their ranks between the sticks in recent years following struggles early on during Jurgen Klopp’s reign. Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius battled it out at one stage, but failed to truly convince.

However, Brazil international Alisson arrived in 2018 and has made himself a nailed-on starter.

While 34-year-old Adrian is another star with experience, Caoimhin Kelleher and Pitaluga represent the future.

Republic of Ireland international Kelleher, 23, is now Alisson’s established deputy, with 19-year-old Pitaluga training alongside the first team since his arrival from Fluminense in 2020.

Pitaluga has yet to make his Liverpool debut, but he has made the bench three times this season.

Alisson told Liverpool’s official website of his fellow Brazilian: “Yeah, Marcelo is really talented. I saw him a few times back in Brazil, but I could know more about him here as a goalie and as a person as well.

“He is a really special boy, he is really excited about having the opportunity to play for Liverpool.

“Now he has settled in and is doing really well in training. He is a boy who trains really hard and is really dedicated for what he is doing. And someone who likes to learn as well.

“So it is really good to work together with him, not only for being Brazilian but for being a really good talent and such a good person.”

Liverpool’s goalkeeping coaching ranks are also in a strong place. John Achterberg is the club’s senior coach, but the Reds brought in former Brazil man Claudio Taffarel earlier this year.

Liverpool hope the 55-year-old will help improve all their goalkeepers, as Alisson continues to impress with nine Premier League clean sheets this season.

Alisson rates Liverpool season so far

The Reds remain in the title race with Manchester City and Chelsea. They can cut the gap to leaders City back to three points if they beat Leicester on Tuesday.

Alisson said of his side’s work so far this campaign: “So far really good. I believe we are doing a great job here, all the team good performances.

“This period of the season is a really intense period and it’s really a mentality game.

“It’s really tough, physically speaking, but I believe that we are doing really well with these situations, having the results that we need.

“But we still have a lot of things to improve, to keep improving through the season but I’m happy about what we did so far.”

READ MORE: Klopp has immediate replacement in mind as fringe Liverpool star’s exit talks develop

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