Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is determined to get the better of Liverpool counterpart Alisson on two fronts this season.
Honours are even between the duo so far following Sunday’s goalless draw at Anfield, with both sides level on 20 points at the top of the Premier League.
Alisson, who arrived at Liverpool in the summer for a record £65million, was Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup.
But Ederson, a Premier League title winner last season, is set to get the chance to stake his claim in their forthcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Argentina.
“I expect to represent the Brazil national team against these two teams and I am looking forward to the two matches,” said Ederson.
“I think there is a lot of similarity between the two of us. Alisson is having a very positive season start at Liverpool.
“Here he is one step ahead of me, he played in a World Cup. That’s not why I’m going to work any less.
“Brazil is well served with goalkeepers. Those who come in will do a good job. Representing Brazil comes with great expectation, being able to play is even greater.
“I had the pleasure to meet Alisson when he arrived in England, we had lunch and he is a friend of mine.
“He has started this season really well, he is having opportunies with Liverpool so I expect him to have a great season – and I expect a great battle for the Premier League title.”
Brazil face Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Friday but have been enjoying a stopover at Tottenham’s training ground in Enfield, north London.
Also in the squad are Premier League stars Fabinho, Fred, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Tottenham’s own Lucas Moura.
In Brazil’s two friendlies since losing to Belgium in the quarter-finals of the World Cup they have beaten the USA 2-0 and El Salvador 5-0.
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