Brazil look pretty secure in the goalkeeping department for a long time.
After a pretty barren period for goalkeepers coming from the country, they now have two Premier League stars fighting it out for the starting place.
Ederson, 25 years of age, moved to Manchester City in the summer 2017 transfer window as a replacement for Claudio Bravo. The former Benfica stopper quickly went about proving it was the right choice and has become an unquestionable pick for Pep Guardiola’s side.
As Ederson was settling in well at City, 26 year old Alisson was busy having a season for AS Roma which would see him come into the sights of Real Madrid and Liverpool. It would be Jurgen Klopp’s club who managed to get a deal done and Alisson has quickly become a favourite of the Anfield faithful, with his place unquestionable just like Ederson.
At national level, Alisson was Brazil’s first choice for the World Cup and seems secure in the position.
His goalkeeping rival will be given a start against Saudi Arabia this week, but has conceded to Globo Esporte that the Liverpool player’s national experience provides an edge: “Yesterday, after training, Tite called to talk to me, Alisson and Taffarel, and said that I would play the first game and Alisson the second, I was very happy to have an opportunity to play a match with the Brazilian team.
“I think there is a lot of similarity between the two of us, he is having a very positive start to the season at Liverpool. Here he is one step ahead of me, he played in a World Cup. That’s not a reason to work less. Brazil is well served for goalkeepers, many who have not been to the World Cup are very good. Those who are picked will do a good job.”
It’s certainly a rivalry, but, thankfully, seems a friendly one.
