Ederson repaid Pep Guardiola's Man City faith vs Real Madrid

"Ederson and Kyle Walker were exceptional," Pep Guardiola declared after the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

It would be difficult to argue with the Catalan coach after such a complete performance by City's goalkeeper. Depending on the argument which is being made at the time, Ederson's style of play can be shaped into a positive or negative.

Comparisons between himself and outfield players are used to sing his praises when times are good but, when he went through a rough patch at the beginning of the year, many used the same argument to twist the opinion of what the 29-year-old brings to the table.

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The Brazilian is not always known for his shot-stopping abilities and those frailties can often be masked in a City side that dominates. But, in games against the likes of Real Madrid, his weakness can be exacerbated.

Thus, his display against La Liga's giants will have been all the more pleasing for those of a blue persuasion. Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga were all denied by strong Ederson saves as he showcased more than just his distribution in the Spanish capital.

Overall, it was a performance which highlighted why Guardiola has always stuck by his goalkeeper. In February, when eyes were firmly on Ederson, the boss brushed aside any suggestion he would bring Stefan Ortega into the team.

"I don't have, and we don't have any doubts about Ederson," he insisted. "How many Golden Gloves? The performances he has done over many years to achieve what we have achieved, Ederson is an exceptional keeper. I don't have any doubts.

"But the reality now is he has another keeper that pushes him like never before in terms of what he has