Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, once named a surprising opponent as the toughest he has ever faced in the Premier League. Recognized as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, the Brazilian has consistently delivered world-class performances, with his recent display against Paris Saint-Germain earning him a remarkable 9/10 rating from L’Equipe.
Since arriving in England, few strikers have managed to get the better of him, with even top-tier forwards like Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak struggling to find consistent success against him. However, when asked to identify his most challenging opponent, Alisson’s answer caught many off guard.
Speaking to the PFA, he revealed that West Ham’s veteran striker Michail Antonio was the most difficult player he had ever faced. Despite Antonio never scoring more than ten goals in a single Premier League season, Alisson explained why he found him so troublesome. The two have gone head-to-head ten times in their careers, with the West Ham striker only managing to win once against Liverpool. Despite this, Alisson emphasized Antonio’s physicality and relentless playing style as reasons he stood out among other opponents. He described the Jamaican international as “really annoying” to play against, highlighting his strength and dominance in set-piece situations.
Antonio may not be the most prolific goal scorer, but he has been a key figure in West Ham’s attack for years. The club has made several high-profile attacking signings, including Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings, but Antonio has remained a vital presence in the team. His ability to adapt, contribute in various attacking roles, and provide a physical presence has kept him at the forefront of the Hammers’ attack. As a result, he became West Ham’s all-time leading goal scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals to his name.
His contributions extend beyond just scoring, as his work rate, hold-up play, and ability to unsettle defenders have made him an indispensable player for West Ham. Over 268 Premier League appearances, he has registered 68 goals and 34 assists, averaging a goal every 280 minutes. His numbers may not be as eye-catching as those of the league’s elite forwards, but his impact on the pitch goes far beyond statistics.
Despite his achievements, Antonio’s future in football remains uncertain. The 34-year-old suffered a serious car accident in December, leaving him sidelined for what was expected to be at least 12 months.
Details about his recovery process have been scarce, and no official updates have been provided regarding his rehabilitation or the extent of his injuries. Given the severity of the accident, retirement could be a possibility, but no confirmation has been made.
As he continues his road to recovery, West Ham and football fans alike will be hoping to see Antonio back on the pitch. His physical style, relentless energy, and ability to disrupt defenses have made him one of the most unique forwards in the league. While Alisson has faced some of the best attacking talents in world football, his acknowledgment of Antonio’s challenge is a testament to the striker’s influence in the Premier League. Whether he returns to action or not, his legacy at West Ham remains intact, cementing his place as one of the club’s most important players in the modern era.
