Being a goalkeeper is for the brave, they say. It’s not easy to stand between the sticks and take on the enormous responsibility of ‘protecting’ your team. When their performances are memorable, they’re the hero, but as soon as they make the slightest mistake, they’ll be questioned at all levels.
All of this is magnified at a club of Manchester City’s stature. They aspire to win every trophy there is and need a goalkeeper with guarantees. And for the past seven seasons, they’ve had one of the best in that position.
However, what Pep Guardiola didn’t expect was for his backup goalkeeper to shine so brightly and demand, therefore, to play a much more prominent role in the team.
Ederson has been a key figure in Manchester City’s last seven seasons. He has lifted, therefore, six Premier League titles. And, until last season, his starting position was not in danger. Stefan Ortega – who arrived in 2022 from an Arminia Bielefeld that was relegated to the second division – was his backup, while Scott Carson barely gets any minutes – he is the group’s ‘talisman’ -.
HE SEIZED HIS MOMENT
Unfortunately, Ederson was injured against Liverpool last March. Problems with his right leg forced him to leave the pitch minutes before the hour mark. And Stefan Ortega’s time had come.
The Brazilian spent a month in the infirmary and the German took on the difficult responsibility of defending the goalposts of the mighty Manchester City. And boy, did he deliver. He was up to the task and his saves were decisive on more than one occasion.
In fact, ‘half’ of the Premier League is owed to the save he made against Son in the penultimate game of the competition. A crucial save that went a long way to helping City win their fourth consecutive league title.
Pep Guardiola was amazed by him and didn’t hesitate to praise him after the crucial match against Tottenham: “He saved the actions, otherwise Arsenal would be Premier League champions. In one-on-ones, he’s one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever seen in my life.”
And there was no better way to reward him than to extend his contract with the team until 2026. “Every day I feel motivated and challenged, and I’ve improved as a goalkeeper since I arrived here two years ago,” said an Ortega who is, in a way, demanding more prominence at Manchester City.
EDERSON… OFF TO ARABIA?
His future is uncertain. It came to light several weeks ago that Ederson’s departure would be a real possibility if an interesting offer arrives. In fact, several Saudi teams are willing to bid for him.
And now that the club has tied down his teammate, it could be the ideal time for the Brazilian to take on new challenges away from Manchester – and the Premier League -.
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