Alisson Becker says it’s really tough for a goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker addressed the media and attested the chances of him winning the Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian has divulged it would be tougher for a goalkeeper to lift it, despite witnessing the changes over the last few years.
Recently, his teammate Virgil Van Dijk broke the familiar sight by becoming the first defender to win the UEFA Nations League. He hinted that people have started giving credits although he distanced himself from the award because of the perspective.
On the back of a high price tag, Alisson Becker also had to overcome the errors from Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius between the sticks.
The Liverpool shot-stoppers were culpable in the last three finals, when Simon Mignolet made mistake apiece in the League Cup and Europa League final, while Karius made two blunders in the Champions League final. The Brazilian made as many as eight saves in the Champions League final, which was the most by any goalkeeper in that grand stage over the last decade. It proved to be a massive difference in a huge stage.
Since signing for the club, he kept 36 clean sheets in 62 appearances for Liverpool and Brazil, thereby becoming the first goalkeeper in three decades to win the golden glove of Premier League, Copa America, and Champions League in a single season. This has brought him up for the Ballon d’Or conversation.
While speaking to Marca, he said: “I’ve read about it and it fills me with pride, but I know it’s not easy. It’s even more difficult as a goalkeeper. But I also have a calm conscience. This means that I’m doing well in my work and people value it.
“Goalkeepers are getting more involved in matches. You have to be good with your hands, of course, and know how to play with your feet because it’s a fundamental aspect to start moves. Furthermore, goalkeepers have a unique viewpoint of the whole pitch and it’s important to organise your teammates.
“The difference is that goalkeepers don’t score goals. They stop them [laughs]. And people like to celebrate goals. It’s the most important moment in football and I think that’s why strikers are valued a bit more. It’s natural, but things are changing bit by bit.”
When asked if he could change the rules and become the first goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or since Lev Yashin in 1963, he replied,
“It would be an honour, of course, but I prefer not to think about it.
“You see how difficult it is for goalkeepers [laughs]. Like I said, it would be a great honour, but I prefer to only think about doing my job and helping Liverpool this season.”
Alisson Becker is currently injured and the timescale has not been mentioned by Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is ready to let his injury heal slowly and integrate him into the side.
