Ortega is Justifying Manchester City Starting Spot

Stefan Ortega, the 31-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper from Germany, celebrated quite happily as his team picked up a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Tuesday. He made a very vital save off Son Heung-min in a one vs. one situation in the second half to deny the Spurs a chance to equalize while Manchester City were 1-0 up.

With Tuesday’s victory, the Cityzens remain a couple of points clear of Arsenal with a match to go for each side. Should Pep Guardiola’s side be able to beat West Ham United next Sunday, they will be crowned the champions for the fourth consecutive time in Premier League – a feat that has been matched by no other club in the league’s history.

Ortega More Than a Lucky Mascot for Manchester City

There has been a big turnaround in Ortega’s fortune during the last four years or so. From being the goalie of Arminia Bielefeld in the German second division, he made a jump to the Bundesliga as Bielefeld was crowned the champion of the 2. Bundesliga.

He was then signed by Manchester City and won the treble with them in his very first season at the club. Although he appeared in only 14 matches for the club last season, he played his part in their wonderful achievements.

In the ongoing season, too, Ederson’s injury compelled the Cityzens to give Ortega quite a few opportunities to play under the bar, and he did not disappoint them. His shot-stopping has been quite good and pivotal saves like the one made last Tuesday has justified the club’s faith on him.

The German goalkeeper has played in 18 matches for the English champions this season. Thus, he has made a total of 32 appearances for the club so far, keeping 18 clean sheets. That is a fairly good record that goes on to prove his credentials as a top-class goalkeeper.

He Might Not Stay at the Club for Long

Ederson continues to be the Cityzens’ first-choice goalkeeper, and is still only 30. He started against Tottenham, but had to be replaced after a potentially dangerous injury. That means that Ortega might still have a role to play in Manchester City’s last match against West Ham.

It can be safely assumed that Ederson will still be there at Manchester City for a couple of more seasons, as his contract expires in 2026. Hence, the Cityzens might decide to part with Ortega immediately after the latter’s contract expires in June 2025. So, the next season will likely be the German’s last at the Etihad in all probability. He should like to make the most of the opportunities that come his way and play in as many matches as possible.

Guardiola will also be assured of the fact that his defence is in safe hands even if Ederson is not available to play. Manchester City have had a history of having very good goalkeepers like Joe Hart, Claudio Bravo and now Ederson. It looks like Ortega is the next player to add to that list.