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Jurgen Klopp was adamant that Liverpool wouldn't lower their sights.

In recruitment meetings with sporting director Michael Edwards and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon last season, the manager made it clear that he was only interested in “a game changer”.

A new No 1 was on Klopp's summer wish list long before Loris Karius' meltdown in Kiev and Alisson Becker had been identified as the top target.

The Brazilian's performances en route to the semi-finals of the Champions League had convinced Liverpool that he represented a major upgrade on what they already had.

Agreeing a deal with Roma proved far from straightforward. The Reds initially walked away after being quoted £90million by Monchi.

Liverpool return to European action this week and we're building up to it HERE

But Klopp never seriously considered an alternative option - despite speculation linking the Reds with the likes of Jack Butland, Nick Pope and Kasper Schmeichel.

The manager didn't see the point in spending a load of cash on someone who wasn't significantly better than Karius or Simon Mignolet.

Patience was a virtue. In mid-July Klopp finally got his man as Roma reduced their demands and Edwards sealed a £65million transfer.

It was a massive statement – an elite team finally had an elite No 1.

(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

At Stamford Bridge on Saturday night Alisson showed why that eye-watering sum of money was such a shrewd investment.

Daniel Sturridge was the hero as his sensational late strike ensured Liverpool left the capital with a share of the spoils.

But the Reds had Alisson to thank for still being in contention when Sturridge stepped off the bench four minutes from time.

The £137million battle between the two most expensive keepers in the world belonged to Alisson.

While Kepa Arrizabalaga was left grasping at thin air as Sturridge's curler arrowed into the top corner, his opposite number made a stellar contribution.

Big away games in hostile environments are where you learn a lot about players and Alisson passed the test with flying colours.

Where Karius spread unease, Alisson brings a sense of calmness. He's an imposing figure physically and commands his penalty box expertly.

Alisson made two saves of the highest order. The first came after Willian got in behind Andy Robertson when the contest was still goalless.

The keeper was alert and decisive as he dashed off his line and made a vital block.

The second arrived when Liverpool were caught napping by N'Golo Kante's quickly taken free-kick. Eden Hazard raced clear and had the chance to kill the Reds off. Again Alisson came to the rescue as he diverted the ball on to the roof of the net.

(Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Hearts were in mouths when Gini Wijnaldum left a backpass short soon after, but Alisson showcased his athleticism as he beat Alvaro Morata to it and dealt with the danger.

There were no Cruyff turns at Stamford Bridge. Alisson has taken on board the lesson learned from his error against Leicester City earlier this month.

His distribution and how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet is one of his biggest strengths but now fewer risks are taken. He has adjusted to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

Alisson is rarely going to be over-worked at Liverpool. With Klopp's side so often on the front foot, concentration is key. It's about delivering when called upon and Chelsea was his best display for the club to date.

It would have been travesty if Liverpool had left the capital with nothing to show for their efforts. But for their wastefulness in the final third they would have made it seven wins out of seven.

The Reds still aren't firing as an attacking force but at the other end they look mightily impressive.

The defensive double act of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez oozed class at Stamford Bridge and on the rare occasions that Chelsea found a way past them, Alisson stood tall.

Klopp has his game changer.