Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday – and Shay Given has heaped praise on Ederson.
It was a fantastic performance from Pep Guardiola’s side, especially in the second-half.
Erling Haaland grabbed two goals, and Phil Foden also got on the scoresheet.
It was a real statement win from City, especially as they had seen Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both win their games.
It was important for City to keep pace with the north London sides at the top of the Premier League table.
There were so many fine individual performances yesterday for City.
Bernardo Silva in particular has come in for a lot of praise from fans and pundits for his complete control of the game.
Jack Grealish also had a really solid outing.
But on Match of the Day 2, Shay Given chose to give credit to a player that not many people are talking about since the game ended…
Shay Given hails Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson for his display against Manchester United
Haaland stole headlines yesterday for his two goals and assist for Foden.
And Bernardo has had all kinds of compliments.
But Given felt £35 million star Ederson was worthy of some praise for his contributions yesterday.
The Brazilian produced a hugely important save in the first-half, and was just superb with his distribution as is often the case.
Given said on Match of the Day 2: “I’d like to pick out Ederson. This is guy is just so special. I’m not saying this lightly, but I think he could play in midfield for Man City, I really do. It goes there with pace, it takes players out of the game.
“This, for me, is the pass of the season (to Julian Alvarez in the second-half). He takes six players out of the game. Now they’re all rushing back to their own goal and Man City are on the attack. It’s playing with 11 outfield players.
“I don’t think he gave the ball away once today. It’s just a joy to watch.
Ederson is one-of-a-kind
Ederson’s performance yesterday kind of went under the radar because so many of City’s actual outfield players were brilliant.
But his save from Scott McTominay was absolutely crucial. Had that gone in, it might have been a very different game.
But his use of the ball was really good. He completed 31/39 passes according to Sofascore, and 11/19 long balls which is pretty respectable.
The Brazilian’s passing range is simply out of this world. There is not a pass that he cannot play, and he is simply so key to the way City play.
