Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson was stoned by some Manchester City fans after some poor performances between the sticks
“Ederson and Kyle Walker are special,” said Pep Guardiola after the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
It will be difficult to argue with the Catalan coach after such a complete performance of the Man City goalkeeper. Depending on the argument made at the time, Ederson's style of play can be shaped either positively or negatively.
Comparisons between him and players off the field help praise him when things are going well, but when he went through a rough patch earlier this year, many used the same argument to distorting views on what the 29-year-old has to offer. at the table.
The Brazilian is not always known for his blocking ability and those weaknesses can often be masked in a Man City-dominated side. However, in matches with players like Real Madrid, his weakness can be exacerbated.
So his performance against the La Liga giants will be even more interesting for the blue persuaders. Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga were all denied by Ederson's brilliant saves as he showed more than he could in the Spanish capital.
All in all, it was a performance that showed why Guardiola was so loyal to his goalkeeper. Back in February, with all eyes on Ederson, he rejected any offers to include Stefan Ortega in the team. "I don't, and we have no doubts about Ederson," he insisted. "How many Golden Gloves? The performances he has shown over the years to achieve what we have achieved, Ederson is an outstanding goalkeeper. I have no doubt.
“But the fact now that he has another goalkeeper pushes him more than ever in terms of what he has done so far – not only in our build but he is also a classic goalkeeper. German figure, he's upright and has great hand movements. The way he played in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup so far, even in the Champions League when he was playing at Dortmund when we were fighting for the top spot.
"He's an exceptional goalkeeper, but Ederson was a really important figure on and off the pitch in everything we did." Coming back to the Etihad with class is huge for City as they are trying to reach the Champions League final and they have to thank the goalkeeper and Kevin De Bruyne for that.
Guardiola's confidence in February has now paid off and City can once again claim to have one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers in their ranks.
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