Micah Richards has heaped praise on one Manchester City player for his recent efforts in the team.
The Citizens are currently in the middle of a crucial stage of their season as they aim to win a consecutive Treble by lifting a fourth Premier League trophy in a row, as well as the FA Cup and Champions League.
After drawing 3-3 against Real Madrid the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday for their first-leg tie in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, one figure, who has been a regular name in the teamsheet over the past few weeks, has found himself on the end of some significant praise from one pundit and former City player.
Richards heaps praise on ‘outstanding’ Man City player
Speaking in a recent edition of The Rest Is Football, Richards had this to say about Stefan Ortega’s recent run of form in the team.
He said: “Ortega has been outstanding since he came in. We talked about that skill at Palace when he did the drag back, so calm under pressure.
“You’re going to need Ederson’s experience back at some stage but right now Ortega is in really good form.”
Should Pep Guardiola stick with Stefan Ortega in goal?
In the second half of City’s 1-1 draw at Anfield last month, Ederson was forced off the pitch with an injury.
Since then, Ortega, who is picking up a weekly wage of £55k-per-week, has featured in all of the Manchester club’s matches across all competitions.
With six Premier League appearances now under his belt in this campaign, the German has faced 21 shots on target and made 15 saves, leaving him with a save percentage of 71.4%, which is higher than Ederson’s save percentage of 69.4%, with the Brazilian saving 48 of the 72 shots he’s faced in the league this season.
In addition to his shot-stopping ability, the 31-year-old also showed off his impressive footwork with an eye-catching Cruyff turn in his own penalty area to stop Jean-Philippe Mateta from having an attempt at goal following a misjudged back pass from Rodri during City’s 4-2 win over the Eagles last weekend.
In the recent draw against Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the Champions League, Ortega made three saves in total, two of which saw him stop shots that came from inside the box.
Taking all of that on board, it’s easy to see why Richards has been so impressed with the German and why he thinks Guardiola could have a big decision on his hands in terms of sticking with Ortega in the team or putting Ederson back in.