Profile: Who is Alisson? The man whose positioning makes him not waste time on making terrific saves
For many though, the would-be most expensive goalkeeper in the world is a rather unknown commodity, despite he already having played for Brazil in the FIFA World Cup and having become one of the best and the most wanted goalkeepers in the world.
Who is Alisson?
Born in Novo Hamburgo, a small municipality in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Alisson had taken birth at a place which has always attracted many athletes because of its reputation for being the national shoe capital of Brazil.
He began his career when he was picked up by the Internacional academy at the age of 10 and his rise from being an early teen to a regular player for the Under 23s side was a one that attracted the gaze of many at his hometown club.
After progressing through the Internacional system, Alisson’s first team debut came 11 years later in 2013 and he finished his debut season with six appearances for the Porto Alegre based side. It didn’t take too much time for Alisson to become a regular and two seasons later, he became an important part of the side and and was an undisputed part of the side.
In the 2015 campaign, the goalkeeper appeared in as many as 57 games in all competitions and Roma were the first side to turn their gaze at this local kid of 22, who was lighting up the Brazilian league.
In February 2016, Alisson signed a pre-contract agreement with Roma and in the European summer of 2016, sealed a move to the giallorossi.
The path to being a regular at Roma was never going to be easy largely because of the presence of Wojciech Szczesny, who was on loan from Arsenal that season.
While he didn’t make a single appearance in the Serie A that season, Alisson made 15 appearances in all competitions and after Szczesny left for Juventus the following season, Alisson grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
And last season was a breakout campaign for Alisson, who was a very little known man when the campaign had begun. His performances in the UEFA Champions League caught the eyes of many, including Real Madrid and Liverpool. His showings meant that it was Liverpool themselves who knocked Roma out of the Champions League, but the giallorossi had made it to the semi-finals of the competitions by miraculously knocking Barcelona out in the quarter-finals.
What kind of player is he?
Alisson has been described as a complete goalkeeper by many, with no major weakness in his style. He is someone who is very good at making himself big and making perfect use of 6 foot 4 inches tall stature and adjust himself effortlessly to position himself exactly where he should be.
And while reflexes aren’t his strongest point, Alisson still is a very good shot-stopper and he made 3.41 saves per game for Roma last season. Not just that, but he made 2.71 saves per game as well. (via Squawka)
His anticipation helps him position himself to perfection. So much so that he would not have to make a terrific save because of his fine and perfect positioning.
Roma goalkeeping coach Roberto Negrisolo has previously said that Alisson reminds him of Italian goalkeeper legend Dino Zoff. He says: "I don't think many people have realised who Alisson is," he said.
"This guy is a phenomenon. He is the number one of number ones. He is the Messi of goalkeepers, because he has the same mentality as Messi. He is a goalkeeper who can define an era."
For more transfer news and updates, click here.