Liverpool's Alisson 'makes mistake' ahead of Copa America and Brazil boss gives starting verdict

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has a strong chance to go into the Copa America as the clear number one for Brazil. Manchester City counterpart Ederson is absent from the tournament through injury.

But having made a second consecutive start in the latest warm-up fixture against the USA — a slight surprise to Brazilian media — a few doubts have been raised about Alisson's starting place. The manager, Dorival, was asked to discuss it after a 'mistake' from the Liverpool stopper.

Brazil went ahead when mooted Liverpool transfer target Rodrygo fired in a left-footed shot. That still certainly wasn't enough to justify the wild rumors of a Trent Alexander-Arnold swap deal, but was nonetheless a reminder of his clear quality as he prepares to battle the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick for a starting spot at Real Madrid.

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But the lead lasted less than 10 minutes, with the USA levelling through Christian Pulisic in the 26th minute. It's here where UOL suggest that Alisson made an error.

"The ball was defendable," it insisted, after Pulisic flashed in a clever free kick that bypassed the wall and shot along the floor into the corner. "Alisson [conceded] in the corner he was in, no matter how [good] the shot was."

However, while Matt Turner was the busier of the two goalkeepers, Alisson was summoned into action later. And UOL believes he somewhat atoned for any potential mistake:

"Alisson made a save one-on-one with Pulisic. In a way, he redeemed himself for the free kick that went past him."

After a mixed bag, the Brazil manager was quizzed about why Alisson was the only player to remain in the line-up from the Mexico friendly (a 3-2 win), and whether he was assured a starting place at the Copa America. Dorival kept his cards fairly close to his chest:

"Due to the lack of Ederson and Alisson himself in the two previous matches, we called up Rafael and Léo Jardim, giving Bento the opportunity," he said, via UOL. "I thought it was right with Alisson's return that he return and have the same two opportunities.

"Is it a test? No. It's for that we better understand the moment of each of them. The definitions will happen from now on. The training will direct us to the team that starts the next match, I hope to be as correct as possible"

Liverpool.com says: It sounds as though Alisson's starting place isn't secure just yet. Even if this outing against the USA was not a 'test', he will still be disappointed to have been beaten relatively easily as he looks to cement the number one jersey for the Copa America.

Liverpool has actually been linked with Bento, his likely competition. But it's hard to imagine Brazil would be better off starting anyone but Alisson in its bid to win the tournament.