Virgil van Dijk's absence from the Liverpool team has been played down by Tony Cascarino who sees Alisson as his equal.
The Dutchman hobbled off in the Merseyside derby this month and could be out for the season.
It leaves the Reds without their star defender as they aim to retain their Premier League crown.
Much has been made of his absence given his influence on Jurgen Klopp's side, but Cascarino believes the return of Alisson is vital.
The Brazilian missed parts of last season and has already been out through injury this term.
His replacement Adrian has made several high profile errors when given an opportunity which serves to underline Alisson's importance.
“Adrian is not in there [now], Alisson is and they are a lot more assured," Cascarino said on TalkSport.
"I thought they showed that against Sheffield United.
“Is he more pivotal than [Virgil] van Dijk? Look he’s a great centre-half. He’s one of the greatest but not the greatest centre-half in world football. He’s certainly one of them.
“So would you put Alisson ahead of him in terms of importance for Liverpool?”
The former Roma shotstopper has been a vital addition to Klopp's squad and has helped Liverpool win the Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons.
It was Jordan Pickford's challenge that resulted in Van Dijk's injury and Alisson has questioned the goalkeeper's actions.
"Every goalkeeper has a different way to play and a different way to move," he told Sky Sports News.
"In that moment, 100 per cent it wasn't a necessary movement. Thinking in my mind when I go to a situation I go to finish it because if I go too soft the opponent can score.
"But everyone has their own way. I don't agree with that way, everyone can see that. It was an unnecessary moment and movement."
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