Alisson: ‘Buffon a role model’

By Football Italia staff

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson sees Gigi Buffon as “a role model, an example, and a great man”.

The former Roma man will return to Italy to face Napoli tomorrow night, and in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport he discussed his career and his place in the game.

“My reactions are a natural talent, it’s in my DNA and I need to thank my parents. Without work though, talent isn’t enough," Alisson explained.

“I feel closest to Taffarel, Julio Cesar and Dida, they were three great goalkeepers. Julio had a lot of strength and speed in his legs, Taffarel was calm and reliable and Dida covered his goal very well. I try to take the best from each of them.

“Since I was a child I’ve followed Gigi [Buffon], he’s a role model, an example, and a great man. [Wojciech] Szczesny is doing very well, it’s not easy to replace Gigi [at Juventus] but he’s succeeding.

“Am I the best goalkeeper in the world? I’m up there, along with [Marc-André] Ter-Stegen, [Jan] Oblak and [David] De Gea. But if you stay still others will overtake you.

“The ranking changes game-by-game and you just have to improve and make saves. Always.”

Alisson also gave an insight into how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp influenced his move from Roma to Anfield.

“When the clubs found an agreement, Klopp called me on FaceTime and explained the project and what he wanted us to do together.

“I’d admired him from his time at Dortmund and I like being coached by him because he doesn’t talk a lot, but he always knows the right thing to say and when to say it.

“He’s an intelligent man, wth character.

“My mistake against Leicester? He came into the dressing room laughing and joking. He dealt with it in the best way, I already knew I’d been daft and he told me not to lose confidence and to keep playing like that.

“For the English I’m a ‘sweeper-keeper’. I’ve always played like that, I like to provide coverage behind the defence and participate in the game.

“There are some teams where that would suit, but Klopp wanted me.”

The goalkeeper also discussed the Reds’ rivals for the major trophies.

“In the Premier League our rivals are Manchester City and Chelsea. In the Champions League there are many teams who can win.

“Football can surprise you, who’d have imagined Roma in the semi-finals last year? Juventus were already very strong and they’ve signed Ronaldo.

“I’m sorry not to be facing him in the league, maybe it’ll happen in the Champions League. I admire the winning mentality of CR7, as well as the talent.”

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