Has Ederson’s contribution to Manchester City’s success been underappreciated?

Fabrizio Romano broke the news yesterday that there was a possibility that Ederson could depart Manchester City this summer. It would be a blow for the world champions to see their number one keeper depart this summer. With this situation in mind, has Ederson’s role in Manchester City’s era of dominance been underappreciated?

It would appear to be a strange thought to contemplate that Ederson’s contribution to City could be underappreciated. The Brazilian shot stopper has been an integral part of Manchester City’s recent success. He is one of the best keepers in world football. There is also no doubt that he is the best ball playing keeper in the game. That attribute, coupled with his goalkeeping ability, has made him a vital component of Pep Guardiola’s side. He has one of the most crucial roles to play in the Manchester City machine. If he were to leave this summer, replacing Ederson would be a sizable task for the Premier League champions.

But after Stefan Ortega’s heroics during City’s crucial 2-nil win over Tottenham last Tuesday, the contribution of Ederson across this season seems to have been forgotten. Ortega rightfully got the plaudits for his heroics at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He made three crucial saves to preserve City’s lead. But Ederson also made several fine saves in City’s vital win. He sustained a fractured cheek bone, making one of those saves.

Ederson has also had another fine season in goal for Manchester City. That has been a constant across his City career. He has rarely ever let his team down. His contribution in last season’s UEFA Champions League final has become part of Manchester City folklore.  The contribution from the Brazilian international since he arrived at City from Benfica has seen him become arguably City’s greatest goalkeeper in the Premier League era. Joe Hart is the only other keeper who can hold a candle to Ederson’s contribution throughout Manchester City’s time in the Premier League.

Perhaps Ederson’s contribution to Manchester City has been underappreciated. It shouldn’t be. But that can be the life of a goalkeeper. People tend to forget what they contribute and only remember the mistakes. But if Ederson were to depart Manchester City this summer then the size of the hole in the City squad his departure could potentially leave would no doubt show just how important he is and has been to the club.