Ederson’s Brilliance: Kasper Schmeichel Explains Why He Prefers Him Over Alisson in Neuer Comparison
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has praised Manchester City’s Ederson, lauding his technical abilities and revolutionary impact on modern goalkeeping. Reflecting on his Premier League days, Schmeichel highlighted Ederson’s skill in possession and his pivotal role in Manchester City’s dominance.
Having kept 23 clean sheets in 44 appearances for Celtic this season, the Danish shot-stopper is no stranger to top-level goalkeeping. With an illustrious 11-year stint at Leicester City, Kasper Schmeichel played a key role in their historic 2015-16 Premier League title win under Claudio Ranieri.
In a recent episode of The Overlap’s Stick to Football, Kasper Schmeichel delved into his goalkeeping inspirations, emphasizing Ederson’s influence on the modern game. Comparing him to Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer, the 38-year-old praised the Brazilian’s composure and exceptional distribution.
“You look at someone like Ederson, the bravery he shows in playing that high – I love watching it because, for me, it goes beyond bravery; it’s like watching (Manuel) Neuer. Ederson took it to the next level,” Kasper Schmeichel stated.
When asked by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville to choose between Liverpool’s Alisson and Ederson, Schmeichel explained his preference.
“I think they’re both very good, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Ederson because I believe he changed the game. Neuer could play out from the back, but with Ederson, it’s almost poetry. When I played against him at Leicester, Manchester City was the one team we didn’t press because if you pressed Ederson, he’d find David Silva or (Kevin) De Bruyne with ridiculous passes.”
Manchester City’s high press, combined with Ederson’s pinpoint distribution, has been a hallmark of Pep Guardiola’s tenure, contributing to six Premier League titles and a host of other domestic and European trophies.
“This season aside, City’s pressing has been so effective because Ederson is always there to cut out long balls. He often stops one-on-one situations before they even develop. When City are at their best in their pressing, it feels suffocating for the opposition. I’ve been on the receiving end of it a few times, and even with Leicester, when our out-ball was Jamie Vardy, we struggled. Ederson would just chest it down and pass it, eliminating our attacking options.”
Schmeichel highlighted how Ederson’s high starting position and tactical awareness make him a game-changer.
“That’s why, for me, Ederson offers something unique. Sometimes he doesn’t even need to make saves because he prevents the chances from developing in the first place. His bravery and positioning allow Manchester City to play a completely different style.”
Schmeichel’s admiration for Ederson underscores the Brazilian’s evolution of the goalkeeper’s role, transforming it beyond traditional shot-stopping into a crucial playmaking function. With his vision, passing range, and fearless positioning, Ederson continues to redefine modern goalkeeping.
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