Ederson snubbed in Man City vs Liverpool FC battle of the goalkeepers

David James has hailed Alisson as ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’ ahead of Saturday’s showdown with compatriot Ederson.

The battle between the two Brazilian shot-stoppers is one of several mouth-watering head-to-heads on show when Liverpool collide with Manchester City this weekend and Pep Guardiola’s man has established himself as his country’s No.1 in recent times. But Alisson took advantage of an injury to his fellow countryman to make a rare Brazil start against Argentina in midweek and James believes he has the edge over his opposite number.

“Alisson is the best goalie in the world,” he said. “I love him. I’m slightly biased as having had a few chats with him, he’s a lovely bloke as well. Everything he does is top-class.

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“Ederson may be the Brazilian No.1 but the problem for him is he doesn’t get as much to do as Alisson. Ederson is also a fantastic goalkeeper and if you’d asked me 18 months ago, I’d have said those two are the best two goalkeepers in the world.

“Alli is still No.1, for me, as Edi hasn’t had as much to do. Over a period of time, you want to see your best goalies do more stuff. Not that Man City are complaining, as they have a treble to show for it, but when you have that sort of talent, you want to be using more of it.”

James represented both clubs over the course of a 26-year professional career and would not be drawn on who will take the spoils at the Etihad. “I’ve seen glimpses of City at their best but not sustained periods of that this season, even though they are top of the league,” he said.

“It is similar for Liverpool, but for them even being in the top four is a