Liverpool business shows goalkeepers are finally getting more recognition – Jan Oblak

Liverpool‘s record-breaking fee for a goalkeeper in Brazilian Alisson demonstrates the growing importance of shot-stoppers according to Atletico Madrid‘s Jan Oblak.

Usually attacking players are the most talked-up players during a transfer window, but high-profile goalkeepers are increasingly becoming an important feature of the rumour mill too.

Liverpool paid Roma an initial £56million for Alisson and, with Manchester United rumoured to have placed a £115m price tag on Spanish star David de Gea, it is clear that the men between the sticks are becoming more and more valuable to clubs, especially since distribution from the back has become such an important part of the modern game.

This hasn’t been lost on Atletico goalkeeper Oblak, who was also linked with a move to Liverpool at the tail end of last season; his price tag was even heftier than Alisson’s at £89m.

“Before there wasn’t much recognition for goalkeepers,” Oblak told reporters (via Goal). “I think the goalkeeper is important in the team.

“Everything starts from the back and every position is important. The goalkeepers are getting recognition now.”

Oblak also spoke about the effect Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid to Juventus will have on Atletico’s prospects in La Liga this season. Oblak responded by reminding reporters that his side finished ahead of Los Blancos last term.

“Last season we finished in front of Real Madrid. Ronaldo is one of the best in history, so Madrid have lost an important player, but I’m sure they will buy another star.

“They will always have a great team, so it will be difficult to say [who has the upper-hand] before the season starts. We will have to see how the season goes.”

Atletico Madrid will play Inter Milan in their final pre-season warm-up game, before taking on local rivals Real in the UEFA Super Cup on August 15.

The post Liverpool business shows goalkeepers are finally getting more recognition – Jan Oblak appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2mS9qj7