Did you Know?
Alisson has been praised for his crucial saves, positioning, distribution and consistency, and is widely regarded as the best shot-stopper in the Premier League, and by some as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Alisson cites former Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés as an inspiration, due to his ability to play out from the back, as well as Manuel Neuer, for his ‘sweeper keeper’ style. Alisson is also known for his speed and timing when rushing off his line, as well as his ability to clear or challenge for the ball with his feet outside the area; moreover, due to his distribution, he is capable of playing the ball out from the back quickly with his hands as well as his feet, and also has the ability to launch attacks, or pick out midfielders with his long goal kicks. His skills with the ball at his feet and composure in possession have even seen him take on opponents on occasion, when put under pressure. Despite his height (standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)), strength, size, and his large, powerful physique, he is also an agile and athletic goalkeeper. Alisson possesses good reflexes and excellent shot-stopping abilities, as well as the capacity to produce spectacular and instinctive reaction saves when necessary, which earned him the nickname O Goleiro Gato (“The Cat-like Goalkeeper,” in Portuguese) in the Brazilian media, but he is predominantly known for his efficient style of goalkeeping, courtesy of his anticipation, consistency, composure, intelligence, positional sense, and goalkeeping technique, which enables him to read the game, cover the goal well, and stop shots without having to resort to histrionics. Furthermore, he also known for his handling, and is effective at dealing with high balls, which enables him to come out and claim crosses and command his area well. Ex-Roma goalkeeping coach Roberto Negrisolo has praised Alisson by calling him the ‘Messi of goalkeepers’, as he has the ‘same mentality as Messi’ and the ability to ‘mark an era’. Furthermore, Negrisolo also compared him to former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff and Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme. His playing style has also drawn comparisons with compatriots Júlio César, Muriel Becker, and Claudio Taffarel in the media. The moniker “The Pelé of goalkeepers” has also been attached to him.
