Alisson Becker, the Brazilian professional footballer, has established himself as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers through his exceptional technique, natural talent, and remarkable composure under pressure. Consider this: With just 21 years on his clock, Becker already acted as captain for Internacional’s first team. That initial showcase of his leadership ability would be the foundation for his path to becoming an essential figure for club and country.
His focus is so mercurial that he’s able to adjust to unpredictable football in a way that disarms the pandemonium commonplace in the sport. Becker even has a reputation for being a “cold” keeper and that trait has sometimes earned him the moniker “the ice man.” Perhaps most importantly, he remains cool under pressure, when it’s often most necessary to thrive. When matched up one-on-one, he dominates every player in his draft class.
Becker’s creativity and ingenuity in one-on-one situations highlights his toolbox. That’s partly because he does a terrific job of keeping that low starting position, letting him quick move off the line to close down shots. How Becker distinguishes himself from most goalkeepers. Rather than use his hands to trap or receive, a lot of time he’ll just let the ball go into his chest area. This unconventional approach is an early testament to his confidence. Coupled with that elite quick assessment skill, which enables him to nip his opponents’ scoring chances in the bud.
The statistics speak volumes about Becker’s prowess. He ranks first among top goalkeepers in successful prevention of goals per 90 minutes played. This is a testament to his exceptional skill in neutralizing attackers in one-on-one situations. His natural chops leap out after years of hard won practice. As a product of this, many pundits and analysts tend to consider him one of the best goalkeepers in the entire world.
Fellow goalkeeper Max Crocombe credited Becker’s people-blurring focus during chaotic times as something that stood out.
“It is that kind of focus when you are defending the goal because it is such a hectic moment, those bits of composure.” – Max Crocombe
Crocombe further praised Becker’s unique physicality in goalkeeping, noting how he reacts differently compared to most players in similar scenarios.
“You just think he is letting someone smack a ball at him from two yards and he does not even react with his hands, he just lets it hit his chest and things like that. His composure inside the box is unbelievable.” – Max Crocombe
Pavan, an esteemed artist and educator in his own right, provided a window into Becker’s mentality and handiwork.
“He is a very cold goalkeeper,” Pavan explained. “I call him the ice man because of his coolness and his calm personality. It is very hard to point out a weak spot in Alisson. He is a complete goalkeeper with a mastery of all the fundamentals of his position.” – Pavan
His confidence and skill is light years ahead of just stopping shots. Beyond being a physical marvel, his mental acuity allows him to anticipate plays before they happen. His ability to keep a cool head in a storm is one of many qualities that make him an irreplaceable talent for any roster.
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