Man City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed that he has a great relationship with fellow goalkeeper Alisson.
As well as being the top goalkeepers of the two best clubs in the Premier League,Ederson and Liverpool shot stopper Alisson also compete together on the international stage.
Brazil have been blessed to have two of the world's best goalkeepers after years of struggling to find a quality No.1 - but now have two class contenders for one spot.
At the moment it is Alisson with the No.1 shirt, with City's man between the sticks only afforded rare opportunities to play for his country if the former is out of action.
Alisson has racked up 43 caps for his country whereas Ederson has only managed to collect seven.
Yet despite the professional rivalry Ederson says that he is good friends with his goalkeeping counterpart as well as Liverpool's other Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Fabinho.
“I think it's a good sign for all the goalkeepers in Brazil and for the country," the Blues star said.
"You look at Europe and you find two great goalkeepers playing at high level in two of the best clubs. I have a good relationship, not only with Alisson, but also with [Roberto] Firmino and Fabinho.
"When we have a day off in the same day, we sometimes gather, we have a barbecue... It's difficult with our routine and the amount of games to have the same day off, but we have done it few times before. Our rivalry is only on the pitch.”
The rivalry between the two clubs has only intensified further this season with Liverpool marching into a commanding position in the Premier League, holding an 11 point advantage over City with a game in hand.
It's a massive gap but Ederson insists that City can still catch the league leaders.
“We know the gap is big, but we need to carry on with our job," he added.
"We need to keep giving our best on the pitch, trying to win game by game. We know it's going to be very difficult, Liverpool is having a great season, but in football anything can happen. We need to be ready for any outcome."
UdehChukwuLFC
491
That 3rd choice right there knows only a serious miracle (prolly injuries) can allow him play a competitive match for Brasil. How do u compete with 2 of the best goalies this decade has?
ishti
458
For a relationship to be good you should not look for Faults in others, Firmino gives 'No Look' to these faults. 😉
Andy_Mac
262
I think regardless of rivalries, the most important thing as a professional sportsman is to show mutual respect to one another on a human level. As long as they're representing a very proud footballing nation like Brazil, they must accept each other and work together to achieve their biggest dreams together. These players haven't won the World Cup before so they have so much more to gain by building a good rapport with their teammates.