Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has been given the nod over Liverpool rival Alisson for Brazil’s friendly on Friday against Saudi Arabia.
Ederson, 25, admitted in a press conference earlier this week that Brazil team-mate Alisson was ahead of him in the national team pecking order.
But the City number one, who has made just one senior international appearance, has been told by Brazil boss Tite that he will start in Riyadh.
“(On Monday), just after training, he (Tite) talked to me and Alisson,” Ederson told a press conference during their training camp at Tottenham’s Enfield base.
“He said I’m going to play the first game and Alisson the second. I was very happy and I feel prepared.”
Ederson, who joined City from Benfica for £35million in July 2017, played second fiddle at Russia 2018 to Alisson, who started every match.
Alisson is in his first season at Liverpool after his £67m summer move from Roma and the two goalkeepers went head-to-head for their respective clubs in last Sunday’s goalless Premier League draw at Anfield.
Brazil have beaten the USA 2-0 and El Salvador 5-0 since losing to Belgium in the last eight of the World Cup in Kazan.
Despite their quarter-final exit, Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho said Tite’s squad had learned a lot from Russia 2018 and are looking to regain momentum before hosting next summer’s 2019 Copa America.
“(The World Cup) is a tournament that demands a lot,” Coutinho said. “All the pressure it puts on you requires a lot psychologically.
“But sure enough, the players leave more experienced. I feel a bit more experienced after having participated in a World Cup and now we have started a new cycle. “I’m very happy to be here one more time. Thinking ahead, we have important competitions. The Copa America is next and until then we have to form a strong base.” Hannover midfielder Walace has been recalled to the squad for Friday’s game and next Tuesday’s friendly against Argentina in Jeddah, while Barcelona forward Malcom, Bordeaux defender Pablo and Gremio goalkeeper Phelipe have all received their first senior call-ups. Saudi Arabia, preparing for the 2019 Asian Cup which starts in the United Arab Emirates in January, bowed out at the group stage at Russia 2018. Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side lost to the hosts and Uruguay before beating Egypt in their final match.
