Before the World Cup began, there was an online debate about which goalkeeper Brazilian coach Tite should select for El Selecao: Alisson from Liverpool or Ederson from Manchester City.
Most of those involved sided with the former, although there was still plenty of support for the City man, who is certainly very, very good.
As someone who has watched them closely for years, I honestly don’t think it’s that close. Ederson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but Alisson is one of the best he has ever played.
Their performance against South Korea proved that last night, on the biggest stage.
In big games, it always delivers. He has done it for Liverpool and his country for years.
There were many impressive saves in Brazil’s 4-1 win, but these two were my favourites. Both show off their athletic ability and reflexes. Another day, despite the brilliance with which Brazil attacked, it could have been 4-4! He was also flawless on South Korea’s deflected goal.
The best. @Alissonbecker pic.twitter.com/PVOXQYIMZH
– The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) December 5, 2022
Alisson with another amazing save. pic.twitter.com/94qPtO35s4
— ♠️ (@LFC_Talha) December 5, 2022
Nationally, it has also been unparalleled.
This graph below shows that Alisson is not only the best goalkeeper, but one of the best dealers in the Premier League. He keeps the ball out of the net as he cleverly passes it to his teammates.
Ederson’s passing is phenomenal and probably better than Alisson’s, but he’s just so much worse at making saves, the goalkeeper’s most defining attribute.
We’ll stay with Alisson then… pic.twitter.com/kbZh7y43RW
— JS (@SuperbSpearing) December 5, 2022
If I feel sorry for someone, it’s Caoimhín Kelleher. The Irishman is 24 and obviously ready for first-team football, but how is he going to be able to watch while Alisson guards our net? Liverpool should at least let him go on loan soon.
Ali is on a contract until 2027. He’s only 30, which is arguably before the peak of a goalkeeper, and if anything, he’s only showing signs of improvement.
As Visual Game says, Alisson is up there with anyone who has played the game.
I have never seen a better goalkeeper than Alisson Becker, I don’t care how many old names you throw at me.
— VisualGame (@avisualgame) December 5, 2022
Peter Schmeichel could make great saves, but he only kicked the long ball. Gigi Buffon had incredible longevity, but did she do better than Alisson? Manuel Neuer is an all-time great, sure, but if Alisson can match his international success by winning this World Cup with Brazil, what would be between them?
When you look at old videos of the legendary goalkeepers, they just aren’t as physically imposing or positionally good as Alisson.
If there was a weakness, it could be said that he is too collected on the ball and sometimes gets into trouble passing it by taking too much time with the ball at his feet. But he has only paid for it once or twice and has rarely cost Liverpool or Brazil points.
Arguably, Liverpool needs a rebuild in the next few windows. The midfield has aged, Sadio Mané has left and the defense has put in some terrible performances. But one thing that does not need attention is the goalkeeper position. By the time he hangs up the gloves, Alisson will be recognized as an all-time great, although in terms of his ability, he should already be.
