The summer signings of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias bolstered the Club’s back four options and Pep Guardiola’s side go into Tuesday’s game against Porto having conceded just once in four Champions League matches.
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Last season, injuries forced Fernandinho to deputise at centre-half and for all the Brazilian impressed, his compatriot feels being able to utilise natural defenders has made City’s back four stronger.
“I think defence is more consistent now,” said Ederson at the pre-match press conference ahead of our trip to Porto.
“We are developing little by little. It requires tone. We have new players, less injuries than last season.
“We know when one or two centre backs get injured and play Fernandinho there, it’s hard. Now we play with first choice centre-backs, it is easier and makes us more solid.”
Ederson has become as recognised for his ability with the ball at his feet as he has his goalkeeping prowess since he arrived in Manchester in 2017.
His willingness to take the ball when City play out from the back and the accuracy of his long-range passing make him critical to Guardiola’s possession-based approach.
Ederson acknowledges there is a pressure which comes with the way in which he is tasked with playing, but is comfortable with the responsibility.
“I feel I have developed a lot since coming here, particularly training under Pep Guardiola,” he added.
“He gets the best out of his players. My style influences the team.
“I’m a player who is looked for during the game and that is responsibility. A mistake ends in a goal, but I am ready for all circumstances.
“You have to be mentally strong. I want to continue here at City and continue getting better.”
Ederson also called for concussion substitutes following Raul Jimenez’s injury in Wolves win over Arsenal on Sunday.
The Mexican striker, a team-mate of Ederson’s at Benfica, suffered a fractured skull after an accidental collision with David Luiz.
City’s goalkeeper required eight stitches to his face following a clash with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in September 2017 and says players who suffer head injuries should be substituted regardless of whether they feel able to carry on.
“I was very worried watching the game,” he explained.
“It was accidental, head to head, very difficult. All the concern and care at this moment is very important.
“It’s a part of the body that is fragile and needs special attention. When there is a blow to the head, there should be a sub whether the player can continue or not. You may feel OK then but feel consequences after the game.
“It wasn’t intentional. They went to compete for the ball. But we know the risks of a head injury. I hope he is back as soon as possible.”
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