An outstanding debut season from Alisson at Liverpool has more than vindicated his world-record fee but they might have landed him for a fraction of that price if one of his Reds predecessors had managed to have his way.
Alisson cost £66.8million from Roma on July 19 last year made him the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time but was eclipsed within a month by Kepa Arrizabalaga joining Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6million.
Liverpool's outlay proved to be money well spent though with Alisson conceding just 22 goals in the Premier League – the lowest total in the Premier League – and the 26-year-old made several crucial saves in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final, in contrast to the double blunder by Loris Karius against Real Madrid 12 months earlier.
However, Alisson's fellow Brazilian Doni, who maintains a close relationship with long-serving Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg had spotted his compatriot's potential from the start.
Doni, who like Alisson arrived from Roma, and played four games for the Reds in the 2011/12 season, told Liverpoolfc.com : “When I saw him play, I immediately recommended him to John and tried to get him signed.
“I explained to John that he was a very skilful player and that he would soon play for the national team.
“The first time I saw him playing for Inter (Internacional, Alisson's first club between 2013-16 from Porto Alegre), I knew he had what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.”
It's unclear whether Liverpool would have been able to obtain a work permit for the player at that stage of his career but Alisson is currently on international duty at Copa America where he has helped hosts Brazil reach the semi-finals without conceding a goal.
Indeed he has now kept eight consecutive clean sheets for both club and country and gone over 12 hours of football without conceding a goal.
Asked if Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world, Doni said: “Yes, without a doubt.
“I am very impressed with how quick he was able to adapt to the way the Premier League is played and how quick he obtained success in England.
“This only shows what a great player and person he is.
“Besides being an overall complete player, I really like how he is able to maintain calm and control.”
Doni himself was forced to retire due to heart problems and upon leaving Liverpool it was revealed that he had suffered a heart attack during a routine medical in 2012 which had left him unconscious for 25 seconds.
Now pursuing business interests in the sports and entertainment industry in Florida, Doni, 39, has reflected on his own time on Merseyside.
He added: “It was short lived due to the issues I had, but it is a great club, a great city, and I am very grateful to have worn this amazing jersey.
“I still speak with John, I think he is a great person and great professional and I will always follow his career and Liverpool.”
