Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was the stand-out performer as the Sky Blues sealed a narrow 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
The German made 5 saves in total, including several from Nicolas Jackson, helping to keep a vital clean sheet on his return to the starting eleven.
Supporters on X were quick to recognise Ortega’s contribution to the victory after the match at the weekend:
Don't lose this guy because of Ederson
— Cozy kay (@Cozykay4) April 20, 2024
The best second keeper in the world
— AJY (@AJYFTBLL) April 20, 2024
They literally need to make the tough choice here and keep him
— TREBLE DOG 🏆 🏆 🏆 10.06.23 (@vancityjs) April 20, 2024
Best backup keeper itw. Please stay
— Ishaan Ghosh (@mcfcerenfan125) April 20, 2024
Sensational keeper. He's real shot stopper. 🩵
— City Cooking Oil (@CityCookingOil1) April 20, 2024
Mancity should keep this shot stopper at all costs
— Mikel254™🇰🇪 (@smurff_254) April 20, 2024
Ortega is best goalkeeper in the premier league by far
— 🥇Eng. IBRAHIM ALWABEL🏆 (@CitizenFc) April 20, 2024
better than Ederson
— David Adamson (@davidadamson938) April 20, 2024
Ortega has statistically been better than Ederson this season
The 31-year-old has a save ratio of 71.4% in the Premier League, which is higher than City’s number one Ederson (68.9%).
Ortega’s goals conceded compared to his post-shot xG faced (+1.0) is also superior, which does paint a picture that City’s no.2 is performing at a higher level. Yet, there is no disputing who Pep Guardiola’s first-choice is.
City have a job on their hands keeping him at the club
Ortega is reaching the final year of his contract at the Cityzens (with his current deal set to expire in June 2025) and he has already hinted that he will depart the Etihad when the season comes to an end.
No fan will begrudge the keeper leaving the Premier League champions if he is keen on getting regular first-team football elsewhere.
