Ederson

Commanding keeper with great technique

Ederson arrived at City on 1 July 2017 with a reputation as one of the brightest young goalkeeping prospects in world football.

He’s fulfilled his early promise in Manchester, establishing himself as one of the best ‘keepers in England, winning two Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups, an FA Cup and two Community Shields in the process.

Born Ederson Santana de Moraes, he began his youth career in his native Brazil with São Paulo FC, before venturing into Europe aged 16 to sign with Benfica.

It was in Portugal where his professional career began, initially with second-tier outfit Ribeirão, where his form earned him a move to Primeira Liga side, Rio Ave.

During a three year stay he played 63 games in all competitions and enhanced his reputation so much so that Benfica brought him back to the Stadium of Light in 2015.

Ederson’s second spell in Lisbon began in the B team, as understudy to Brazil’s first choice ‘keeper, Julio Cesar, but he succeeded his compatriot in the 2016/17 campaign and helped the Eagles to a league and cup double.

Move to City

With a habit of producing excellent reflex saves and boasting outstanding distribution, Pep Guardiola swooped for the then 23-year-old in the summer before his second season at the Etihad Stadium.

He agreed a six-year contract and three months later, in October 2017, made his senior debut for Brazil, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile.

Ederson enjoyed a fantastic first campaign with City, keeping 16 clean sheets as an integral part of the Club’s Premier League success.

His form earned him a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination and saw him selected in Brazil’s 2018 World Cup squad.

In May 2018, he penned a new deal with City that tied him to the Club until 2025 and impressed again in 2018/19.

Twenty clean sheets saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year, whilst he also saved a penalty in the shootout as City beat Chelsea to lift the Carabao Cup.

Ederson’s fantastic footwork, including the sheer distance of some his kicks, has generated much admiration at the Etihad Stadium and in May 2018 he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest drop kick, registering 75.35 metres.

A PIONEER FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Ederson is without doubt a pioneer for the Premier League.

Since his arrival, the majority of keepers in this country have changed the way they play, with the emphasis on playing from the back now commonplace for many teams in England.

That means technique, control and distribution are all key elements for any top goalkeeper - though outstanding reflexes, agility and the ability to command the penalty area remain crucial.

Ederson won the 2019/20 Golden Glove award for the most Premier League clean sheets and has so far won eight trophies in his first three seasons with City.

He also won 11 caps for Brazil as he battles for the international No.1 shirt with Liverpool's Alisson Becker.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers not only in the Premier League, but in the world, the talented and intelligent Ederson is integral to Pep Guardiola's City.