Liverpool has a top-of-the-table clash to navigate this weekend, with the Reds tasked with making the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Saturday afternoon. The team positioned in first place in the Premier League will face the side in second, with the result capable of having quite an impact on the title race.
Liverpool and Manchester City have operated as arch-rivals over the past few years. In fact, the two sides have ranked in the top two places in the division in three of the last five seasons, and they share plenty of comparisons across the board, with Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola almost learning from each other over the years. They have both used strikerless systems, playmaking full-backs, inverted full-backs and box midfield shapes, and throughout their rivalry, they have each fielded Brazilian goalkeepers. Alisson Becker has represented Liverpool since the summer of 2018, with Ederson between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium.
The two are regarded among the best in the world, painting themselves as modern performers due to their ability to contribute when in possession of the ball. Alisson and Ederson have rivaled each other at club level, while also competing for the number one spot for the Brazilian national team.
They are both renowned for their sweeping and distribution in particular. Both Alisson and Ederson are comfortable with the ball at their feet, and they have the necessary technique and composure to help with the construction of offensive moves from deeper areas, almost operating as unorthodox attacking weapons. Indeed, Alisson has registered three assists in the Premier League since his debut, having also found the back of the net once against West Bromwich Albion. Ederson has also posted three assists over the same period, with Liverpool and Manchester City empowering the rise of the playmaking goalkeeper. They are virtually inseparable in that sense, but Alisson ranks in a league of his own when it comes to his shot-stopping ability.
The function which many people still believe to be the primary role of a goalkeeper is the biggest strength of the Reds number one. Alisson talked about the art of goalkeeping earlier this season (via Liverpool’s official website) stating his belief that making saves comes first in his job.
