Taffarel: 'Alisson happy at Roma'

By Football Italia staff

Brazil legend Claudio Taffarel praised Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker and assured he is “content to remain” at the Stadio Olimpico.

Alisson spent his first Serie A season on the bench, but has become hot property on the transfer market after the last year, taking them to third place and the Champions League semi-finals.

“I have never seen a goalkeeper who is so handsome and yet so talented,” joked iconic shot-stopper Taffarel on Tele Radio Stereo.

“He is surpassing all expectations. He’s a goalkeeper who brings a great sense of calm and I am very happy for him. His greatest strength, as well as his talent, is the mentality.

“Alisson has this remarkable character, is very calm and intelligent when he plays. There is a good rapport with his teammates and he is strong psychologically.”

The goalkeeper has been linked with a move abroad to Liverpool or Real Madrid.

“He is very happy at Roma and the rumours of a transfer are just rumours. I don’t know what will happen, but he said he’d be content to remain at Roma.

“Alisson is only a year older than Ederson, but has grown so much, ever since he was given the starting role against Venezuela. He is a step above Ederson right now, as the Manchester City man can improve with his feet and in terms of experience.

“Alisson could be named among the best goalkeepers in the world, along with Thibaut Courtois, David De Gea and Manuel Neuer.”

Italy are not in the World Cup this summer, so they begin again under new Coach Roberto Mancini.

“We often talk about missing Italy, as a World Cup without Italy is incomplete. I hope Mancini can get them back to the top. You can see some Italian tactics in Brazil too now, as anywhere with a focus on tactics, you immediately have to talk about the Italian school, because it’s impeccable.”

Taffarel spent most of his Italian career at Parma, who will be back in Serie A next term after bankruptcy and three consecutive promotions.

“I am so happy, especially as I often go back to Parma. It’s a city that belongs in Serie A and proved it could get back on its feet.”

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