A conversation between his mother and coach was crucial in the future of Benfica’s 22-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Éderson.
Ederson, who’s been getting regular chances at Benfica recently, revealed that he started playing as an outfield player, but soon saw that it would be more difficult. He is currently the first-choice goalkeeper of Brazil’s Olympic national team, and gives Dunga a headache on who to choose between him and Álisson for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this year. Éderson, who left Brazil seven years ago, played from age 10 to 15 at the youth system of São Paulo. He then packed his bag and went to Portugal to sign a training contract with Benfica, where he stayed for three years. The youngster was loaned to second division side Ribeirão, and quickly became a starter in the professional side aged just 18. He said: “I started as a wing-back and center-back, but then I saw that I couldn’t handle it and asked my mother to talk to the coach. When I started playing as a goalkeeper, things went well.”
Éderson terminated his contract with Benfica to sign with Rio Ave in 2012, but the goalkeeper returned to Benfica last year to fight for a place in the first team, with compatriot Júlio César. He added: “At that time, it was the best I could do. If I hadn’t left Benfica, then I wouldn’t have the opportunities I had. Júlio César is a reference. I learn by watching him in training, and in the games. He is a great goalkeeper and a great human being.”
A conversation between his mother and coach was crucial in the future of Benfica’s 22-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Éderson.
Ederson, who’s been getting regular chances at Benfica recently, revealed that he started playing as an outfield player, but soon saw that it would be more difficult. He is currently the first-choice goalkeeper of Brazil’s Olympic national team, and gives Dunga a headache on who to choose between him and Álisson for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this year. Éderson, who left Brazil seven years ago, played from age 10 to 15 at the youth system of São Paulo. He then packed his bag and went to Portugal to sign a training contract with Benfica, where he stayed for three years. The youngster was loaned to second division side Ribeirão, and quickly became a starter in the professional side aged just 18. He said: “I started as a wing-back and center-back, but then I saw that I couldn’t handle it and asked my mother to talk to the coach. When I started playing as a goalkeeper, things went well.”
Éderson terminated his contract with Benfica to sign with Rio Ave in 2012, but the goalkeeper returned to Benfica last year to fight for a place in the first team, with compatriot Júlio César. He added: “At that time, it was the best I could do. If I hadn’t left Benfica, then I wouldn’t have the opportunities I had. Júlio César is a reference. I learn by watching him in training, and in the games. He is a great goalkeeper and a great human being.”
