Former Newcastle United and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given recently picked Ederson as his favourite goalkeeper in the Premier League. The former Irish custodian highlighted how Ederson’s versatile game keeps him ahead of the competition especially in England’s top flight football.
Manchester City signed Ederson back in 2017 from Portuguese club SL Benfica and the Brazilian has been one of their best buys under Pep Guardiola. He is at a different level from other goalkeepers, especially with his crisp passing ability. Ederson has been one of the most consistent performers for Manchester City in recent years and has played a pivotal part in their success.
Given believes that Ederson is the best in the English top-flight mainly because of the array of skills present in the Brazilian custodian. The former goalkeeper has picked Ederson over his compatriot Alisson who has kept out the Manchester City star for some time.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Ederson. I go to a lot of the Manchester City games and even watching him warm up is phenomenal. ‘If anyone wants to improve as a goalkeeper, I’d urge them to just watch him warming up. Some of the passing, the kicking and other stuff he does before a game is just unreal. You can learn so much from him. Alisson is keeping him out of the Brazil team but I’d still say Ederson is probably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.”
Given points out how Premier League has some of the most skilful custodians in the game starting from goalkeepers like Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy to Manchester United’s David De Gea. Given feels that Guardiola saw the exceptional talent in Ederson mainly his passing range. But Given also pointed out that Ederson’s reflexes and ability to make saves often remain underrated when it comes to his passing.
“The standard is so high in the division with the likes of Edouard Mendy and David de Gea, but I’ve liked Ederson ever since he arrived at the Etihad,” the former Manchester City goalkeeper added.
“When Pep Guardiola replaced Joe Hart, he could’ve gone with anyone but he really wanted someone who was near enough an outfield player with the ball at his feet – but that’s taking nothing away from the talent he’s got as a goalkeeper as well. It’s easy to just compliment him on how good he is with the ball at his feet, but his saves get overlooked sometimes, ” concluded the Irish custodian.
