Alisson can become a global great, says Dida
LONDON: Former Brazil international Dida believes Alisson can continue his rapid rise and establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Alisson rose to prominence at Internacional in his homeland after inheriting the starting job from Dida, who has monitored his compatriot’s development ever since they worked together.
The 26-year-old initially had to bide his time for first-team opportunities after joining Roma in 2016. Liverpool spent €72.5 million – a world-record fee for a keeper at the time – to sign him in July and Alisson has settled in quickly to life at Anfield, keeping seven clean sheets in 12 Premier League appearances.
“I like Alisson very much – I think he is a great goalkeeper,” Dida told Omnisport.
“I had the opportunity of working with him at Internacional. I see his great development in football; going to Europe, playing for the Brazilian national team.
“I hope he can be what everyone expects of him, conquering many things here in Europe and establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
NATIONS CUP: FOUR MORE TEAMS QUALIFY
JOHANNESBURG: Morocco and Nigeria added their names to the list of African Nations Cup qualifiers after Saturday’s preliminaries, with Mali and Uganda also booking their place at next year’s finals.
Nigeria made sure of the point they needed by drawing 1-1 away against South Africa in Johannesburg while Morocco qualified without kicking a ball as Malawi lost in the Comoros Islands.
Uganda secured top place in Group L with a 1-0 home win over the Cape Verde Islands while Mali are sure of a top two finish in Group C as they beat Gabon 1-0 away with an early goal from French-based striker Moussa Doumbia.
ROGIC, KRUSE RESTED FOR LEBANON CLASH
MELBOURNE: Attacking midfielder Tom Rogic and winger Robbie Kruse are nursing minor injuries and have been omitted from Australia’s 24-man squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Lebanon, the team said on Sunday.
The pair featured in the 1-1 draw against South Korea in Brisbane on Saturday but will be rested for the second Asian Cup warmup in Sydney, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said.
IN-FORM HWANG CALMS INJURY FEARS
SYDNEY: Prolific South Korea striker Hwang Ui-jo eased fears about a leg injury after being taken of the field on a stretcher during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Australia in Brisbane.
“I felt a sudden pain in my foot,” he told the Yonhap news agency. “I was able to play the game but decided to take a rest.”