The Brazil international played a vital role in City’s journey to being crowned world champions, featuring in our Premier League title success, Champions League final, Super Cup final and Club World Cup final and was part of our FA Cup winning squad.
And nearing 150 clean sheets since joining City in 2017, the 30-year-old is showing no signs of his determination and eye for success slowing down as he hopes City can continue to make history at the end of the 2023/24 season.
One player he believes will be vital to City’s success is not himself, but midfielder De Bruyne.
“It’s just like chess – you have to protect the king [De Bruyne]! Now we have our ‘king’ back, one of the best assisters in Premier League history, third in the list now,” said Ederson.
“We’re so happy to have him back and playing good football, especially after such a long time out. He’s a player that our team missed a lot because he has such ability – he finds passes that very few players can find.
“He gets assists, scores goals, plays good football, he keeps the ball, so I’m very happy that he’s back and that he has returned to his high level.
“I hope that he can help us a lot for the rest of the season, not only him, but the whole group.”
Now in the second half of the campaign, prior to playing Burnley, City sit third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand over the Merseyside squad.
Ederson admits that the Premier League title race is on his mind but it’s not impacting his or the team’s performances on a matchday and the squad will be focused on picking up three points at Brentford on Monday evening.
“The team is focused, all of the players have their feet on the ground,” explained Ederson.
“They’re giving their all every day, preparing in the best way to be ready for the next match. I think that the most important thing is mentality, humility of the group. Training well every day, putting the effort in, dedicating yourself, and of course respecting the manager’s decisions.
“I think that we have a great dressing room, with young players who like to work hard, to dedicate themselves to the maximum. When it’s time to joke we joke, when it’s time to work we work hard.
“I think that the title race is between Liverpool, City and Arsenal, I think they are the three favourites to win the Premier League.”
Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies aren’t the only pieces of silverware Ederson has obtained in the past 12 months.
In January, the shot stopper was named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of 2023, an accolade that has a special place in his heart after an unforgettable season with City.
“After the amazing season we had, winning this trophy was special for me and my family as well, they have helped me a lot, the goalkeeping staff and the goalkeepers, I’d like to thank them and everyone working at City,” said Ederson.
“It was an amazing year, I worked a lot: at the club, at home. It was a special year for me.”
