Decision Over £67M Liverpool Gem Is Baffling But Has Silver Lining

This is not a knock on Ederson, who is undoubtedly a talented keeper, but Alisson has proven time and time again that he's the best. Yet, he hasn't always been first choice at international level to the consternation of Liverpool supporters.

He's been a key part of Liverpool's success in the recent years, often pulling off incredible saves that have kept his team in games they should've lost.

Brazil's decision to consistently favor Ederson over Alisson is baffling, to say the least. The Manchester City goalkeeper is exceptional with the ball at his feet. There's no doubt he has better distribution than Alisson but they're not on the same level when it comes to shot-stopping and 1v1s.

Alisson is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world when it comes to making saves in 1v1 scenarios. His positioning is the best there is, meaning attackers have to produce top finishes to even stand a chance of beating him.

It's not just about individual awards or club successes, it's about consistent performances and Alisson has delivered this more than Ederson.

He's not just a shot-stopper, but an excellent distributor of the ball and plays a key role in Liverpool's style of play. More often than not, Alisson has proven himself in crucial moments for Liverpool and his absence in the Brazil starting line-up is indeed surprising.

Perhaps Brazil's coach, Diniz, has his reasons for picking Ederson over Alisson.

“I don’t know if Alisson would be Tite’s starter today, because Ederson also played some games,” Diniz said last week.

“I think it’s always difficult. It was also difficult for Tite. I think both are among the three best goalkeepers in the world, so it’s always hard for you to make an assessment and decide.

“Any time, any of them can play, including [Lucas] Perri, including Bento who was being drafted, including Weverton who was also here, who is a great goalkeeper.

“But specifically, of these two, they have been playing at a very high level for a long time. Then it’s a matter of feeling the moment, for you to decide.

“Right now, we’re going to start with Ederson, but it’s a dispute that will always be open.”

Given what Alisson continually brings to the table, it's hard to see why he's being left on the bench. His performances deserve recognition at the international level and he's more than earned his spot in Brazil's starting XI.

The silver lining to Alisson's baffling international exile

While Liverpool fans are confused as to why Alisson isn't Brazil's starting goalkeeper, at least he's getting rest.

Jurgen Klopp's other South American stars are not getting much rest but Alisson, will be fresh to face Everton.

Well, as fresh as you can be travelling over 9,000 kilometers to play football.

The 31-year-old cost Liverpool £67 million in 2018 and it has to be the least spoken about transfer fee ever.

Despite the Reds being mocked for spending so much to sign Alisson, he has arguably been the best goalkeeper since.

Without him, Liverpool would likely be midtable like Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both lacking a top quality goalkeeper and paying the price.

If Klopp is to guide his side to silverware this season, it will have a lot to do with how Alisson performs.