Manchester City have been dominating the Premier League in a unforeseen manner of late and their goalkeeper Ederson, who has been a revelation since his arrival in the summer, has stated he’s comfortable playing in outfield if his manager Pep Guardiola requires him to.
“Well, if one day I am needed I think I could,” Ederson said wryly when asked by whether he would be up for the challenge of playing in outfield.
Don’t miss: David Luiz’s emotional tribute for Kaka
“When I started my career, I was actually a left-back and I do have some qualities playing with my feet, so I think that helps a lot, especially due to the way we play at City, explained the 24-year-old custodian.
“It’s a huge responsibility to play at the back, there is no room for mistakes, so I must be constantly focused to give my best,” Ederson was quoted as saying by the club website as he continued, “It is all about hard work and concentration. Our team has been able to play such great football, but we work very hard making sure we understand our roles and duties”.
Ederson was signed for a hefty fee of £35 million from Portuguese side Benfica in June but his calm performances between the sticks have endeared him to the Sky Blues faithful and he’s been touted as one of the signings of the summer.
Must read: Arsene Wenger reveals extent of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey’s injury
The 24-year-old’s incredible double-stop in the Manchester Derby is still being talked about but his ball-playing abilities have won him praise as it has enabled City to play the ball back to their keeper without any qualms whatsoever.
“Everything we have been practicing in the training sessions, we have brought it into the games and I strongly believe that if we keep going, in the same way which is our goal, we can go even further and win a lot more games.”
“But if there was a situation where I was ever needed outfield, yeah, I’d definitely give it a go,” the 6’2 shot-stopper added.
City are the only unbeaten team in the Premier League and top the table with an incredible 52 points haul after 18 rounds.
The Sky Blues, who recently broke a record by registering their 16th win on the trot, are 11 points clear of second-placed Manchester United and are overwhelming favourites to clinch the league title this season.
Pep Guardiola’s men face fellow Premier League side Leicester City in a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night before hosting Bournemouth in a league clash on Saturday.