Benfica starlet Ederson has great Brazil future – Alisson

goal.com

The Selecao's first-choice goalkeeper says his young colleague has all the hallmarks of a future No.1 for the five-time world champions. Brazil goalkeeper Alisson has heaped praise on his young colleague Ederson, insisting the Benfica youngster is showing all the hallmarks of a future star.

Ederson, 22, was included in Dunga’s Copa America Centenario squad as third-choice goalkeeper to gain valuable experience of a major international competition ahead of an expected starring role at August’s Rio Olympics.   The duo began training together for the first time this week as the Selecao arrived in USA and, despite Ederson’s emergence likely to cost Alisson a place at the Olympic Games in August, the Internacional custodian has backed his young colleague to play a major role for the five-time world champions.

“Ederson is a young goalkeeper, just like me,” said Alisson, 23. 

“I knew little of him, I know much more now. He is a quiet person who says few words, but on the pitch has he an impressively refined technique, strength and speed. He is a goalkeeper with a great future.”

Alisson, who is set to join Serie A club Roma after Copa America, went on to speak of the importance of former technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi and goalkeeping coach Taffarel, insisting the former World Cup-winners are playing a big role in the development of Brazil’s goalkeepers.

“They have so much experience to add to all our goalkeepers,” he said. 

“We talk with them a lot, Gilmar often stands in the corner where we train and we talk about their experiences both on and off the pitch.”

He added: “The weight of anything goalkeepers to is always greater, but that does not bother me.

“I will always give my best. Failures can happen, mistakes too, but I will work hard to ensure that I do not make any."

Brazil are preparing for their final Copa America warm-up match, which will take place on Sunday against Panama as the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour takes them to Dick's Sporting Goods Park outside of Denver, Colorado.