Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has selected Liverpool star Alisson as the goalkeeper for his EA SPORTS team of the season.
Alisson has kept 18 clean sheets and conceded just 20 goals in 30 games so far in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign. The Brazilian's heroics between the sticks have helped the quadruple-chasing Reds close the gap to leaders Manchester City, who are currently four points clear but having played a game more.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand praised Alisson's ability to not just save shots but also get involved with the attacking build-up by playing the ball out from the back. The keeper has established himself as one of the best distributors in the game, launching counter-attacks with his pinpoint long-range passing.
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Alisson's assist against Norwich City earlier in the season highlights just how effective he has been on the ball and Ferdinand had no hesitation when it came to choosing the 29-year-old in his team of the season.
“I’m going to go with Alisson this year,” Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube show. "He has been tremendous, in big moments he steps up, he’s a great goalkeeper.
"He does everything a modern goalkeeper should, he’s good with his feet, and he comes out with massive saves importantly."
Alisson is expected to start in goal on Sunday against Everton when Liverpool host their city rivals at Anfield. A win will close the gap at the top to one point with five games to play.
Ferdinand picked eight players in his team of the season - including three more Reds: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah - before handing it over to panellists Anton Ferdinand, Stephen Howson, Joel Beya and the fans watching the show to fill in the final positions.
