Ancelotti on Alisson: He Is Still the Number One Despite Being Left Out of the Squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that Alisson Becker remains the team's first-choice goalkeeper, despite leaving him out of the squad for the November international matches.

Brazil will face Japan and Singapore in friendlies on 14 and 17 November. For these matches, Ancelotti once again opted for a squad dominated by young and inexperienced players. Corinthians midfielder Andre and Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus received their first international call-ups, while Manchester City's Allan was also among those named in the squad.

Under an agreement between the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Flamengo and Palmeiras, the two clubs fighting for the league title, no players from either side were included in the squad. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Endrick stand out as the most experienced names in the group, while Bournemouth's Rayan also earned a place among the players Ancelotti trusts.

While Alisson's omission sparked debate, the Italian coach made it clear that the Liverpool goalkeeper is still his number one choice: "We don't need to test Alisson, we know him very well. He is the best goalkeeper. He will be in the squad when the Copa America begins. Just like Alisson, other key players will also return."

Ancelotti also defended the inclusion of winger Estevao, who has struggled for playing time at Chelsea this season: "We hope he can show all the quality he has. We will follow him closely. Even if he doesn't get a single minute at Chelsea, we will keep watching him until the day we feel he can no longer be useful to the national team."

Brazil Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bento (Al Nassr), Lucas Perri (Torino), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba) Defenders: Arthur Dias (Atletico Paranaense), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest), Jonathan Jesus (Cruzeiro), Vanderson (Monaco), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (Roma) Midfielders: Andre (Corinthians), Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos), Joao Gomes (Aston Villa), Marlon Gomes (Shakhtar Donetsk) Forwards: Alisson Santana (Shakhtar Donetsk), Allan (Manchester City), Endrick (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)