After a 7-0 thrashing at Anfield last season, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson anticipates a comeback from opponents on Sunday.

Alisson said he is now at his “highest point of my career.”

Liverpool once dispatched Alisson to the same gloomy Anfield location where Manchester United descended in March. That is why, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, he believes Erik ten Hag’s men will only be able to return on Sunday if they are “on fire.”

Alisson’s vivid recollection of United’s 7-0 thrashing last season tells a lot about the immaculate goalkeeper. “To be honest I was worried about not conceding, as I always do in every game,” he said. So much for living in the now.

But the result took him back five years to the night he conceded five goals in 33 minutes to Jürgen Klopp’s club in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final for Roma. Roma trailed 5-0 before two late goals offered them a glimpse of hope, which they almost realized with a 4-2 win in the second leg. Roma’s desire to succeed at the Stadio Olimpico in 2018 was inspired by their ordeal at Anfield. Despite United’s departure from the Champions League on Tuesday and their awful collapse at Anfield nine months ago, Alisson expects Ten Hag’s players to channel the same rage when aiming to avenge the club’s biggest defeat in 92 years.

“I would be on fire, and I would try to set my teammates on fire as well,” the Liverpool goalkeeper stated when asked to imagine himself in the shoes of Manchester United on Sunday. “I’ve played against Liverpool before, and I know how powerful this team can be at Anfield.” In terms of results, it wasn’t a wonderful experience, but this is the type of game you want to play in. Players from Liverpool FC, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City must like playing in this type of game. When we play against large opponents, I have a lot of fun.

“You’re going to try to use it [the 7-0] to motivate yourself as a football player, as an elite athlete.” I don’t know much about the Manchester United players, but I’m sure they’re coming here to attempt to beat us.”

The disparity in preparations for English football’s biggest game may add to United’s uneasiness. They were apparently in the ascendancy before the equivalent encounter last season, having won the Carabao Cup the week before, while Liverpool struggled for consistency. Klopp’s team lost three consecutive games after winning 7-0. For the first time in two years, Liverpool has topped the Premier League. Despite their difficulties, United remain a benchmark for title hopes at Anfield, just as they were when Alisson’s pinpoint assist for Mohamed Salah allowed Liverpool to legitimately believe they would win the Premier League in January 2020.

In January 2020, Alisson celebrates after assisting Mo Salah’s goal against Manchester United.

“It was a different time and a different moment for that team,” warns the Brazil international. “We have to slow down, not our pace, but when it comes to the title race, because we are a rebuilding team.” That is exactly what we are doing here: we are rebuilding a team. Of course, we want to win the league, and of course, we want to beat every opponent, but we have to stay focused on what we have right now.

“That game was incredible for the time. It conveyed a message to our fans. It was felt by the supporters. At the time, we felt as players that we had a good chance of winning the league. Beating one of your biggest rivals, Manchester United, at home, in that environment, and scoring goals like Mo’s with my assist; it makes you feel really wonderful. But I believe that is no longer the case. We are in a different epoch. We aim to win on a regular basis. We must also do better than we are now doing, but I believe we will succeed.”

Liverpool are getting there courtesy to Alisson, who returned from a hamstring injury to play a key role in last Saturday’s stoppage-time win over Crystal Palace. This season, the 31-year-old has the highest save percentage in the league (80.4%) and the lowest goals against per 90 minutes (0.86) of any regular top-flight keeper. Is one of the world’s best goalkeepers getting better?

“Perhaps if the numbers talk,” Alisson answers modestly, laughing. “I’m in good shape and feel good about myself.” I’m working hard to improve as much as I can each year. I started playing [first-team] football as a goalkeeper when I was 21 or 22 years old, so I’ve already spent ten years in the posts. That’s a long time, but I’m still a young goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are now playing till they are 38, 39, and occasionally even 40 years old.

“I believe I am nearing the pinnacle of my career, combining physicality, experience, and a strong desire to continue doing well and improving.” I’m pleased with my performance on the field, but I want to keep developing. If improving simply means maintaining this consistency, then I am content.”

Liverpool, according to Alisson, are still in the process of rebuilding.

Another difference between Liverpool and their main adversaries is Alisson’s reassuring, decisive presence. André Onana, his United counterpart, has had a difficult debut season following his £47.2 million move from Internazionale. While Alisson sees similarities in their paths to the Premier League and supports Onana, he also recognizes a key difference: only he joined an English behemoth with stability and most of the components in place to meet expectations.

“Onana is a really good goalkeeper,” Alisson says. “His performance in the Champions League last season was incredible.” I went through a similar experience to what he is going through now, moving from an Italian team to England, to a large club, for a lot of money. This is a lot of duty to bear, and he came here with the task of replacing [David] de Gea, who was not in the finest shape of his career but was still producing. Replacing him is a significant step forward in your career.

“He is capable of this responsibility, but some people take longer than others.” You’re changing teams, leagues, and trying to adjust, which can have a big impact on you. I was fortunate in that I joined a team that was already moving in a different direction, that was building. I believe he will succeed. At the moment, he requires everyone’s help.”