Roma’s goalkeeper Alisson Ramses Becker doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to interviews, in fact, he doesn’t in the game either, his ability on crosses is superb. Speaking back in September he was adamant that he would have left Roma had he not been guaranteed first place after Wojciech Szczesny left and laid the blame that he only played in the cups last year, firmly at the feet of ex-coach Luciano Spalletti. The Giallorossi agreed and the Brazilian hasn’t looked back, he has gone from a potential Achilles heel, to potentially one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers.
After an incredible game in this seasons Champions League against Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone singled out the Brazilian keeper’s performance and his words were well deserved. “We have to compliment the goalkeeper Alisson, he did a great job. The shots were on target, aside from Saul hitting the woodwork, as otherwise he had saves on Koke, two or three on Saul – he had a wonderful performance.” Whilst this was in itself a bona fide world-class display, he has been putting in superlative performances for Roma all campaign, he has come a long way in very little time.
Alisson joined the Giallorossi from Internacional on a five-year deal in 2016 for 7.5m Euro. The now 25-year-old had played 83 times for the club winning the Campeonato Gaucho four times on the bounce between 2013 and 2016. When he arrived in the Eternal City he was confident that these achievements would earn him a starting spot. The fact that Luciano Spalletti chose Szczesny as his number one was perhaps only a surprise to Alisson, the Pole had improved immensely under the Roman goalkeeping staff and this was illuminated at the end of the season when he was made Gigi Buffon’s heir apparent at Juventus.
Becker was left to enjoy the cup competitions but despite his obvious physical and technical abilities, tactically he struggled with Roma’s defence playing higher up the pitch that the South American style he was used to. Now, with no center backs almost sitting on his six-yard box, he had to venture into a different more European style of goalkeeping and whilst there were some scary moments, he adapted well throughout the year.
At the end of the season and with Wojciech moving on to Juventus, Alisson made his move. He demanded that he was given playing time, especially because this was a World Cup year. This is the custodian motivation and playing for the national team is incredibly important to him. He certainly saw an opportunity, as at the time, Ederson had only just moved to Manchester City and hadn’t been capped and Valencia’s Diego Alves was also being over looked by the national team. Even back in Brazil, Weverton of Atletico Paranaense, Marcelo Grohe of Gremio and Alex Muralha of Flamengo were no real competition.
Perhaps Alisson took inspiration from Claudio Taffarel, who moved from Parma to Reggiana before the 1994 World Cup simply so that he could play. It worked for him, he went on to win it against Italy and the old custodian had also dropped a hint to the Brazilian media about the 25-year-olds situation. He claimed that the keeper’s technical level meant he could play for any team in Europe but echoed Brazilian coach ‘Tite’s’ comments that he must be playing regularly.
Irrespective of who, why or what made Alisson demand the starting spot, it worked, and Eusebio di Francesco’s decision hasn’t back fired. The strong defensive record recorded so far by Roma this season is as heavily linked to their keeper and it is now surprise that he tops Squawka.com statistical list of the Serie A keepers this season. His average of 2.75 saves a game and his 88% success rate on crosses is exceptional and there is no surprise that he has kept seven clean sheets in Serie A this term. To watch him, it is evident that his ability to save from distance and close range (two very different disciplines) is superb and his concentration his is self-proclaimed best asset.
The determination and strong will of the Brazilian keeper is there for all to see. Replacing Szczesny was never going to be easy but he has done this with ease. The World Cup maybe a motivator but his general work ethic to improve and his quick adaptability to Serie A now makes him one of the most exciting Brazilian goalkeepers in recent times. Alisson is the new Guardian of Rome and he does not intend to be displaced.
