Football News

Alisson and Ederson have “mastered the modern game”, says Manuel Neuer

By Ben Green

Published: 18:48, 22 October 2019

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer believes Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson have perfected the art of modern-day goalkeeping. 

The Brazilian duo have collectively forged a reputation for their ball-playing abilities in the Premier League and have proven indispensable for both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp respectively.

Have Alisson and Ederson “mastered the modern game”? Five things to know…

  • Alisson and Ederson are often considered the springboards for initiating attacks at both Liverpool and Man City.
  • The duo are deployed in sweeper ‘keeper roles and are tasked with playing out from the back.
  • Alisson kept the most clean sheets in the Champions League last season (6) as Liverpool lifted a sixth European crown.
  • While Ederson kept the second-most as Man City won the Premier League in 2018/19 (20).
  • Last season, Ederson (82.61%) and Alisson (80.3%) ranked second and third respectively for best passing accuracy in the Premier League for GKs.

Neuer, long-perceived as the best shot-stopper in world football for much of his career, has described the South Americans as the “complete goalkeepers”.

The German has listed their ‘consistency’, almost infallible nature and ambipedal exploits as three key reasons why they stand at the top of the spectrum.

“Alisson of Liverpool and Ederson at Manchester City are complete goalkeepers,” he told France Football . “They’ve mastered the modern game and are excellent with two feet. I like them both. They’re consistent and they rarely make mistakes.

“They’re among the best in the world, along with Hugo Lloris, who is more of my generation and who has enjoyed a great year with Tottenham, reaching the Champions League final.

“Lloris and I have many points in common with regards to our respective careers, having been captains of both club and country. He’s someone that I appreciate a lot.”

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

“Certain people thought I was done” – Neuer on career-threatening injuries

Neuer soon turned his attention to the effects a metatarsal fracture had on his career, explaining how certain critics thought his days between the sticks were numbered.

Between 2017 and 2018, Neuer’s career was plagued by long-term injuries but he has since fought his way back and remains a key part of Bayern’s starting XI.

“Certain people thought I was done and that I’d not come back,” he said. “But I feel a great passion for this sport and an overflowing enthusiasm. That’s the most important thing.

“My goal is not to go to training every morning and to settle for my level without being really ambitious. I want to progress each day. At 33, I want to stop the unstoppable shots at all costs. It’s my goal every day.”