Since their dismal World Cup quarterfinal exit, Alisson, a pivotal player for Brazil in the past, has been missing from the national squad. The word “difficult” has been used to describe this choice.
In South America, Brazil’s early elimination from the World Cup, particularly their defeat against Croatia in the quarterfinals, was viewed as a big letdown. Surprisingly, since their campaign in Qatar, six members of the World Cup squad—including Fabinho—have not been called up to the national team.
Alisson, a 30-year-old goalkeeper, has not played a single minute in the team’s five games since the World Cup, while still being a member of the group under temporary manager Fernando Diniz. His absence started when he was completely left out of the squad for a March 2-1 friendly loss to Morocco. He then sat on the sidelines as an unutilized substitute in June as Brazil played against Guinea and Senegal.
Diniz told reporters last week, “I don’t know if Alisson would be Tite’s starter today, because Ederson also played some games.” “I believe it is always challenging. It was challenging for Tite as well. It’s always challenging to evaluate and choose between two goalkeepers who are both among the top three in the world, in my opinion.
“Any of them may play at any time, including [Lucas] Perri, Bento, who was being drafted, and Weverton, who was also present and a fantastic goalie. However, these two in particular have been playing at a very high level for a very long period. After then, your decision will depend on how you feel at the time. Although it’s an ongoing argument, we’ll start with Ederson for the time being.
Two highly regarded goalkeepers representing two of the top teams in the Premier League competing for a national team is a rare circumstance. It is odd that Ederson was selected over Alisson, especially in light of the fact that Alisson, Liverpool’s top player, has routinely outperformed his Manchester City opponent. Although Alisson’s safe return from his trip to South America gives Liverpool some solace, one would wonder if the excursion was actually worthwhile in light of the current circumstances.
