Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson returns to Italy to face Napoli on Wednesday night and he was in confident mood ahead of the fixture.
The former Roma shot-stopper has had a solid start to his Liverpool career following a then world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
His performance against Chelsea at the weekend showed why Liverpool splashed out for the 26-year-old, with his crucial saves keeping the Reds in the game to equalise late on.
The Brazilian’s stock has risen after two successful seasons in Italy and he is widely regarded as being one of the best in the world.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Alisson spoke about his idols and agreed with the notion that he is up there with the best.
“I feel closest to Taffarel, Julio Cesar and Dida, they were three great goalkeepers,” he said.
“Julio had a lot of strength and speed in his legs, Taffarel was calm and reliable and Dida covered his goal very well. I try to take the best from each of them.
“Since I was a child I’ve followed Gigi [Buffon], he’s a role model, an example, and a great man. [Wojciech] Szczesny is doing very well, it’s not easy to replace Gigi but he’s succeeding.
“Am I the best goalkeeper in the world? I’m up there, along with Ter-Stegen, Oblak and De Gea. But if you stay still others will overtake you.
“The ranking changes game-by-game and you just have to improve and make saves. Always.”
Alisson is clearly confident in his own ability, which is refreshing to hear following the Reds’ recent woes between the sticks.
