Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on one Manchester City player ahead of the match with Newcastle United.
After a mid-week without a game, Manchester City return to action on Saturday when they take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Pep Guardiola’s side can book another visit to Wembley with a victory and take a step closer to winning a back-to-back treble.
They will have to do so without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, however, who will miss the match through injury.
The Brazilian picked up a knock when fouling Darwin Nunez in the box during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
Though Ederson attempted to save the penalty, he couldn’t carry on for much longer and was soon replaced by stand-in Stefan Ortega.
Now Ederson is expected to be sidelined until after the international break, meaning Ortega will start against the Magpies.
Losing your No.1 is worrying for most managers but Guardiola is not concerned at all with having Ortega between the sticks for such an important game.
Pep Guardiola praises Stefan Ortega
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “He has proven ever since he arrived an incredible quality in performance.
“We are delighted with all three keepers.
“The moment when he has to play always he has performed unbelievable.”
Can Ortega keep his place?
The Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton last season aside, Ortega has been very good in goal on the rare chances he’s been able to play.
Ederson is such a crucial part of how City function that losing him could be a huge blow but Ortega’s confidence in possession means it doesn’t hit as hard.
Now Ortega has a great chance to make the No.1 spot his own.
Ederson has been incredible for City but he does have a glaring error in him, just as the challenge that resulted in his injury showed.
If Ortega can prove to be more reliable and just as good, he might stay in the team even when Ederson is back.
