Liverpool are statistically the hardest done by runners-up of the Premier League era.

The Reds’ tally of 97 points is the third-highest in top-flight history and would’ve been enough to win 116 of the previous 119 championships.

Jurgen Klopp’s side played a captivating and effective brand of football throughout the season, yet it wasn’t enough to bring a first league title in 29 years to Anfield.

The Merseysiders have a chance to make amends when they face Tottenham in the Champions League final at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on 1 June.

But even if Liverpool finish the 2018-19 campaign empty-handed, the Kop faithful will take a great deal of confidence from the past nine months.

Klopp has assembled a side capable of challenging on all fronts for the foreseeable future, largely thanks to some shrewd signings over the past four years.

The German tactician has overseen seven transfer windows - three summers and two winters - since arriving on Merseyside in October 2015.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson are just a handful of the most fruitful acquisitions made under his watch.

However, arguably Klopp’s finest decision to date has been coughing up £67 million to secure Alisson from Roma.

Signed on 20 July 2018, the Brazilian was the most expensive goalkeeper in history until Chelsea replaced Thibaut Courtois with Kepa Arrizabalaga for £4 million more.

Irrespective of his enormous price tag, Alisson has been worth every penny.

His performances in goal have gone a long way towards transforming the Liverpool defence from a source of anxiety to one of assurance.

Alisson played every minute of the Reds’ stunning Premier League campaign and kept 21 clean sheets to earn him the Golden Glove ahead of Manchester City’s Ederson.

While it’s worth noting he had the tightest back four in the division protecting him, the former Roma man can’t be accused of failing to deliver when called upon.

Alisson saved 79 per cent of the shots he faced this season, which is better than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

Last season, Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius respectively managed to keep out just 59 per cent and 56 per cent of shots they faced last term.

Given the difference, Alisson’s impact simply cannot be underestimated.

People initially thought the price Liverpool paid for him was a rip-off, but now it would be more accurately described as a bargain.