star Ederson admits he is ‘surprised’ to see Liverpool’s Alisson, his rival for the Brazil goalkeeper spot, not called up by his country for the March internationals.
Brazil have just one game this international break, a friendly against Morocco on Saturday, with the 23-man squad for the fixture revealed earlier this month.
There were many shock omissions from interim manager Ramon Menezes’ squad, not least Alisson who has been his country’s first-choice keeper since around 2016.
The Liverpool shot-stopper has won 61 caps for Brazil, winning the 2019 Copa America in the process and has held off strong competition from Ederson to remain inbetween the sticks.
And while the 30-year-old is enduring a sub-par season with his club, his absence from the squad has raised more than a few eyebrows.
‘The first moment I saw the list I was surprised, but it’s the coach’s decision. They are choices, I thought he would be on the list, but he was not,’ Ederson said.
‘I do not know why, if it is a matter of opportunities for younger players. But we have to work, give our best, every day there is a good new player who can take that responsibility too.
‘I think it’s too early for that [talk of him being number one]. Of course it is always important to start a cycle, for me it is no different and I hope to start in the best way possible.
‘But we know it is a long cycle, many things can happen, you can live many phases during this period. You have to work as hard as possible, maintain consistency so you can be here as many times as possible.’
Because of Alisson’s presence, Ederson has won just 19 caps for Brazil despite being considered one of the best keepers in the world.
The 29-year-old has won four Premier League titles and three Golden Glove awards since joining the Citizens in 2017.
His theory over younger players being given a chance holds up with 10 of the 23 squad members yet to be capped at senior level, including 19-year-old keeper Mycael who plays for Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense.
However, Ramon has also selected 35-year-old Weverton who acted as third-choice keeper at the 2022 World Cup behind Alisson and Ederson.
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