Ederson: ‘I’d play out of goal if Pep needed me...’

AFTER impressing fans with his calm ability to play out from the back this season Ederson has joked Pep Guardiola could call on him to star outfield.

The 24-year-old’s distribution has become central to City’s counterattacking style and he is so unflustered on the ball some fans have questioned if he could play as an out of goal.

“Well, if one day I am needed I think I could!” he said.

The Brazilian completed more passes than Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli managed for Tottenham in the 4-1 win at the Etihad – and his form has been crucial to City’s record-breaking start to the Premier League season.

And the goalkeeper has revealed the secret his good form. “When I started my career, I was actually a leftback 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,” he said.

“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.

“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.

“Everything we have been practising 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.”