Ederson's ability with the ball at his feet is second to none among goalkeepers.

Ever since he arrived at Manchester City from Benfica in the summer of 2017, the Brazilian has performed the role of a 'sweeper-keeper' to a world-class standard.

His passing ability is worthy of an elite-level playmaker, with Ederson regularly acting as City's 11th outfield player during games.

Every member of the team's defence knows that they can turn to the 27-year-old when being pressed by the opposition near their own box.

That was never more apparent than during a Premier League away game against Southampton in 2018, which City went on to win 3-1.

In the 29th-minute of proceedings with the visitors 1-0 up, Ederson's ability on the ball was put to the test on three separate occasions in the space of 20 seconds.

To say he passed each examination with flying colours would be an understatement, although City fans were probably a tad petrified at the time.

Especially when Ederson decided to perform a fake shot pretty much on his own goal line...

Video

Several Southampton players charged towards the Brazilian in the hope of snatching the ball and scoring a tap-in, but Ederson's feet and footballing brain were simply too quick for the lot of them.

"Man took tiki taka so seriously that he became Xavi," one fan wrote in the comment section, an analogy that is both humorous and accurate.

The guy embodies the phrase 'composure on the ball' and City would not be the all-conquering team they have been under Guardiola over the past few years without him between the posts.

“We cannot have a better goalkeeper than Eddie,” the Spanish manager recently told City's official website.

“He suits perfectly our way [of playing]. The impact he has on the team is massive. His composure and the way he faces the good moments and bad moments is remarkable."

(Credit: The Football Terrace)