Man City star shocked at Liverpool man’s international snub ahead of blockbuster April showdown

Manchester City star Ederson admits he is ‘surprised’ to see Liverpool stopper Alisson, his rival for the Brazil No.1 spot, not called up by his country for the March international fixtures.

Brazil are only playing one game during the current international break, with a 23-man squad announced for Saturday’s friendly clash with Morocco.

However, there a number of surprise omissions from current interim coach Ramon Menezes’ squad, not least Reds star Alisson who has been his country’s first-choice keeper since around 2016.

The Anfield star has won 61 caps for Brazil, winning the 2019 Copa America in the process and has consistently held off Ederson’s challenge.

And although the experienced 30-year-old is, like his club, not having the best of seasons his absence has still come as somewhat of a shock.

Ederson said: “The first moment I saw the list I was surprised, but it’s the coach’s decision. They are choices, I thought he would be on the list, but he was not.

“I do not know why, if it is a matter of opportunities for younger players. But we have to work, give our best, every day there is a good new player who can take that responsibility too.

“I think it’s too early for that [talk of him being number one]. Of course it is always important to start a cycle, for me it is no different and I hope to start in the best way possible.

“But we know it is a long cycle, many things can happen, you can live many phases during this period. You have to work as hard as possible, maintain consistency so you can be here as many times as possible.”

Alisson‘s consistent presence for his country has meant that Edreson has only won 19 caps for Brazil, despite being regarded as one of the world’s best stoppers.

The 29-year-old has won the Premier League title four times, including three Golden Gloves since moving to The Etihad in 2017.

Ederson and Alisson will go head-to-head when Premier League action returns on April 1 when City host Liverpool in the lunchtime kick-off.

READ MORE: Man City superstar now ‘open’ to summer switch as European rivals prepare to meet €70m price tag