Firmino and Alisson Named to Brazil Squad

Liverpool’s Brazilian duo are named to Brazil’s National Team ahead of the Copa America.

Liverpool FC’s season isn’t quite over with the Champions League Final in Madrid and a date with destiny (and Tottenham Hotspur) looming on June 14th. For the South American contingent on LFC, though, it is a short 13 day space between the Final and the kick-off of the Copa America, with Brazil playing the role as the host nation.

To that end, Brazil’s coach, Tite, has announced his provisional squad ahead of the tournament. On the list, are two Liverpool stalwarts: forward Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. No Liverpool fan would be surprised at the inclusion of either and based on the accomplishments of the duo, it would be a well-earned honor to be named to the squad.

Bobby remains the best kept secret in terms of the Liverpool attack in that his contributions are not obviously trackable inn the way of goals and assists. The hub of all things going well, Firmino uses an impossible to teach sense of space to move and pull defenders out of the way to make room for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Pair that with his irrepressible defensive work rate and his vision for a pass, it’s rather clear to most fans why the Brazilian is often first on Jurgen Klopp’s teamsheet.

A newer arrival by comparison, Alisson has quickly made himself nearly as indispensable as Bobby in his first full season as a Red. The current holder of the Golden Gloves in the Premier League, Alisson has been an absolute rock between the sticks, overseeing a stunning defensive improvement in concert with Virgil Van Dijk. The current state of the defense is such that despite the strong focus for this squad to play on the front foot, things remain very solid at the back. Which is a welcome development to this anxiety-prone scribe.

All told, this is a welcome reward for the duo’s great work in this very special season. I’m sure all Reds - or, at least, those without any South American rooting interests - will be wishing Firmino and Alisson the best of luck in their upcoming tournament.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com