Who is Stefan Ortega? The Manchester City man signed under the radar, in the summer

Follow us on Google Discover

Stefan Ortega could start for Manchester City on Thursday night as Pep Guardiola’s side take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at The Etihad – but who is the veteran goalkeeper and why did City sign him in the summer window?

With Ederson competing at the World Cup for Brazil, 30-year-old summer signing Ortega is likely to be given the chance to shine between the sticks for Manchester City. It would be his fourth appearance for Guardiola’s City.

This season, the German goalkeeper has featured in two of City’s six Champions League games – and in the previous Carabao Cup outing against Chelsea. He has kept two clean sheets, including the 2-0 win over Graham Potter’s men.

Now, he will be hoping to make it three from four on Thursday evening. But a relative unknown when he joined City last summer on a free from Armenia Bielefeld, who exactly is Ortega? Here, we profile City’s back-up goalkeeper.

Who is Manchester City goalkeeper Ortega as City face Liverpool

Born on November 6, 1992, Ortega came through the ranks at Bielefeld and broke into the first team. He made his debut for the German club aged only 18 – a 1-0 loss in Germany’s third tier to Heidenheim. It got a lot better.

He became first choice before leaving to join 1860 Munich in 2014. But in three years in the capital, he managed only 64 appearances and in 2017, returned to Bielefeld. In the summer, he left Bielefeld having chalked up 220 outings.

Bought as a replacement for Zack Steffen, Ortega is seen as a goalkeeper much more suited to Guardiola’s style. Able to play out from the back and excellent with the ball at his feet. A goalkeeper that Guardiola can rely upon.

But his stats in Germany’s top tier last season make for excellent reading. He produced the most saves with 125, and the second-highest save percentage of 73.3% – as per Sport Bible. Ortega is not just at City to warm the bench.

Now, he is expected to start against Liverpool and win his fourth outing for City since joining the club. Guardiola is expected to name a side that includes youth, experience and fringe players. Ortega, being both the latter.