Pep Guardiola reveals where Ederson excels for Manchester City - as De Bruyne is ruled out with Covid

Pep Guardiola has said Ederson is the best goalkeeper he’s ever worked with when it comes to having the ball at his feet.

The Manchester City stopper’s distribution has been widely praised since his move to the Etihad in 2017, and the Brazilian has earned a reputation for playing defence-splitting passes from inside his own box.

With news this week that City are set to released a documry on Ederson, Guardiola was asked on Friday about his impact at the club and whether he is in fact the best goalkeeper he’s worked with, in terms of in possession.

“Yeah,” the 50-year-old responded after a few seconds thought. “For the quality of the pass, and especially with the right moment to give the pass because it’s not the quality, it’s the moment you have to do it,” he explained. “He has the patience and [knows] the right positions to do it.”

Asked if Ederson can sometimes take too many risks in possession, Guardiola responded: “Yeah, but when it works everyone says how good it is. After, when he makes some mistakes, we can not blame him because he gave us many good things.”

Man City v Everton team news

Guardiola also confirmed during Friday’s press conference that Kevin De Bruyne is unavailable for the weekend clash with Everton as he’s tested positive for Covid-19.

“Unfortunately Kevin got a positive Covid test in Belgium and needs 10 days [to self-isolate],” he told reporters via video link, meaning De Bruyne will also miss the upcoming games against Paris-Saint Germain and West Ham United.

"Now he has to recover well. The human being is more important than anything else. He was vaccinated, so he is more protected, so hopefully the symptoms are minimised.

"Right now it’s not about the rhythm or who we are going to miss, it’s about the human being."

Elsewhere, Guardiola said Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are doubts for the game at the Etihad on Sunday, although he has more hope about the latter featuring against the Toffees.

“We have Jack getting better after he went to the national team,” said the 50-year-old. “Phil Foden came back with a knock and a problem in his leg, but he is getting better. Jack, I don’t think [he will be fit]. Phil we will see.”

What about Everton?

Also speaking on Friday, Everton manager Rafael Benitez confirmed Yerry Mina, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the trip to the Etihad.

“Doucoure, one week, two weeks maximum he can be fine and won’t have any problems,” said the Spaniard.

“Dominic, at least two weeks we have to wait because he’s progressing well but still needs some time.”