Two weeks ago, with Manchester City looking for a winner in the dying moments of a surprisingly difficult Champions League last-16 tie against Schalke, Ederson launched a long, searching pass in behind the German side’s defence. Raheem Sterling, as sharp as ever, cut in from the right and latched onto the ball before tucking it past Ralf Fährmann and just inside the post. For most ‘keepers, you’d assume they were lucky to get an assist, that it was a long punt which fell kindly. But Ederson isn’t most ‘keepers. How many other number ones have you seen with passing compilations on YouTube? It was, for the record, the second goal he’s set up this season. The other assist, direct from a goal kick, came against Huddersfield in a Premier League game in August. Meanwhile, a couple of hundred miles away in the north-west of England, Liverpool were taking on Schalke’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. The German champions, despite defending resolutely, were not offering much threat to the Reds’ goal – one of the few chances they did have, though, was laid on by a mistake from goalkeeper Alisson. He dallied with the ball and was closed down, forcing him to play a terrible pass to Joel Matip, who was dispossessed. To Alisson’s relief, Kingsley Coman could only send his shot crashing into the side netting. It was not the first time Liverpool’s £67m man has got himself into trouble this season. The mistake against Leicester in August – and on that occasion it led to Liverpool conceding – is the other example that springs to mind. With their contrasting displays of footwork in the Champions League, the inevitable comparisons between the pair were awoken once more. What is beyond doubt is that the reigning Premier League champions and their close pursuers have two of the best ‘keepers in the world. For both teams, the signing of their current shot stopper proved transformative. Claudio Bravo out and Ederson in made an immeasurable difference in City’s 100-point campaign last term. And, despite those mistakes, few would argue against the case that Alisson has improved this Liverpool team. Jurgen Klopp’s side have 13 more points than they did at this time last year. And though that is clearly not down to him alone, Alisson’s contribution has been conspicuous.