One of the best shot-stoppers of the modern era, a Champions League winner, Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s and Brazil’s rightful No. 1. Trained out of the academies of Internacional in Brazil, Alisson went on to be one of the most sought-after talents in 2016 after starring for the club in goal. Italian giants Roma managed to land his signature, thereby starting his incredible journey in Europe.

At Roma, the first season wasn’t much of a hit for Alisson but he burst onto the European scene in 2017-18 with significant performances for Roma in goal as the club from the Italian capital went deep into the UEFA Champions League. Roma managed to upstage Lionel Messi’s mighty Barcelona in the Quarterfinals. They lost out to eventual runners-up Liverpool in the Semis but Alisson’s efforts did not go unnoticed.

The Reds from Merseyside came calling the next transfer window and soon Alisson became a Liverpool player. For Liverpool, he has been a brick wall at times, with nothing seemingly possible getting past him. He has provided Liverpool a solidarity at the back that is one of the most important ingredients for any champions team. And champions they are. Liverpool chased City all the way to the title in 2018-19, ultimately finishing a point shy. But they made amends in the UEFA Champions League by getting to the Finals yet again and this time, winning.

One can never forget Alisson’s heroics on the night at Anfield against Barcelona as Liverpool cancelled out a 3-0 first leg Barca lead to go through 4-3 on aggregate. Allisson was unbeatable that night as the likes of Messi, Suarez and Dembele could do little to bother the Brazilian.

Allisson is a strong character, committed to giving his best to his club’s cause day in and day out. He has been a perfect in Liverpool’s setup, carrying out Jurgen Klopp’s orders to the letter. Alisson is good with his feet too, something that comes naturally with being a Brazilian, as his footwork helps Klopp play out from the back, thus beating opposition high press and narrow closing down, key features of modern football. Alisson is the complete modern goalkeeper.

(As written by Priyansu Ganguly)