Tottenham Hotspur need a new defensive midfielder, and they may be adding a Brazilian to their ranks to fulfil this position. So, here’s what you need to know about Ederson ahead of a potential move.
Ederson has impressed for Atalanta this season as they marched to Europa League glory and a top-four finish in Serie A. It is thought the midfielder could be available for around £35m this summer, and Spurs are very keen (HITC).
So, is he any good, what are people saying about him, and how crucial is he to Atalanta? Here’s what we know about Ederson.
Name: Éderson José dos Santos Lourenço
Age: 24-years-old
Place of birth: Campo Grande, Brazil
Current club: Atalanta
Former club(s): Salernitana, Corinthians, Fortaleza, Cruzeiro, Desportivo Brasil
International appearances: One cap for Brazil U20 (Transfermarkt)
Club appearances: 214 appearances, 18 goals (Transfermarkt)
Ederson career stats
Ederson has been integral to Atalanta’s impressive season this year, missing just three games in all competitions.
The Brazilian moved to Italy in January 2022 to join Salernitana, but soon switched to Atalanta just six months later. However, it is this season that he has really risen to prominence, featuring a massive 52 times and scoring seven goals (Transfermarkt).
As per FBRef, Ederson ranks ninth in Serie A for passes into the final third this season (176) and his 206 progressive passes put him seventh in the division — statistics that’ll surely please Ange Postecoglou.
He also ranks joint-second for the most tackles in the league (80), and he’s won 46 of those tackles, with 43 of them preventing a dribbler from going past him. This combative side of his game is also exactly what Spurs are looking for.
He is yet to make his senior debut for Brazil, but has been called up to the Copa America squad for this summer.
Strengths and weaknesses
Ederson’s key attributes include tackling, passing, and having a high work rate.
He is an intelligent footballer who shows great awareness and vision to monitor and nullify threats when defending, intercepting effectively and pressing with high intensity. He is also able to use his range of passing to start an attacking play for his own team, too.
As for weaknesses, there’s actually very little to criticise when it comes to Ederson. He’s not got the most imposing physical frame but he uses his body well, and while he’s not the quickest player, he’s no slouch, either, and can accelerate when needed.
What are people saying about Ederson?
Ederson earned rave reviews for his display in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, with Italian outlets describing him as ‘dominant’ and ‘sensational’.
Football Italia had this to say about his performance: “A dominant force… the 24-year-old was all over the pitch, pressing with intensity and shutting things down in the centre, proving a frustrating figure for Bayer Leverkusen.”
Euro Sport Italy added: “He has physique and quality, always cleans up with two touches and dirties all the second balls. A truly sensational midfielder… Ederson has played a leading role through the season.”
Meanwhile, Carlo Garganese described Ederson as a “machine,” and Beth T from United Stand simply said, “Ederson from Atalanta is bloody good isn’t he.” Yes, yes he is.
What do The Spurs Web think?
Ederson is a quality player who quietly does the dirty work in the middle of the park, and that’s exactly what we need moving forward.
He possesses the strength, composure, awareness, and vision to protect our defence and help the team transition into attack. This man should be Tottenham’s new number 6.
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