David De Gea the 26 year old Manchester United and Spain international goalkeeper,has been one of the best keeper for United and arguably the best in Europe, he has been an integral part of the United team. He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid who had a failed move for him due to a fax machine mistake, which turned out to be a fortune for United. De Gea is very happy under Mourinho and has no intention in moving away.
Let's have a look at his career from a young Madrid prospect to one of the best Manchester United goalkeepers and the rise to the first team of Spain.
Atletico Madrid.
De Gea joined Atletico Madrid as an academy signing. He quickly rose up the youth ranks and signed his first professional contract with Atletico at the age of 17. Due to his good performance he got many loan offers from English sides like QPR and a permanent move to Wigan which both he rejected.
In the 2009 season he became a second choice keeper to cover up for Roberto who in turn became first choice for Sergio Asenjo due to international duty. He made his debut due to an injury to Roberto in the Champions League group stage against Porto. He went on to win and start in games like Europa League final and also beat Inter Milan to the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the 2010 - 11 campaign. Sir Alex also missed a League Cup game and went to Madrid to see De Gea play against Valencia. He was later touted the successor of retiring Van der Saar, but was not signed that season. He was a top target for Manchester United. He gained so much praise that Spanish Legend Keeper Casillas said that one day he would become his successor for Spain. Who knew that the predict and his dream would come true one day!
Manchester United.
As De Gea was an emerging target for United he eventually got signed by Sir Alex and became United's next number 1 successing Van der Saar, Schmeichel. De Gea idolized Schmeichel as his mentor and quickly started to blend in after signing in 2011 for a fee of 17.8 million pounds. He didn't have a great start but slowly got off the mark in the Premier League and was praised for greatness and success with United. He won his first Premier League medal in the 2013 season and also got voted in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
In the year 2015 - 16 he was subject to a failed transfer move to Real Madrid and the player wanted to go deal agreed for 29 million with Keylor Navas in exchange. But the move failed due to late submission of paperwork which led to him staying at United. Thank that sole for making the mistake. That's what the fans said when they heard this. Soon after he signed a new contract with United.
De Gea honors with United
Collective.
Premier League - 2012 - 13
FA Cup - 2016
Community Shield - 2011, 2013, 2016
Individual
Premier League PFA Team of the Year
2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16
PFA Premier League Fans Player of the Month
November 2014
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16
Manchester United Player's Player of the Year
2013 - 14, 2014-15
UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season
2015 - 16
Match of The Day Save of The Season
2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16
Spain International Team.
De Gea made his international debut for Spain in the year 2014 replacing Casillas for the remaining 7 minutes of the match against El Salvador. He made his full 90 minute start against France in 2014 September. Due to his impressive performance with United he was selected for the European Championships in 2016 along with Casillas. He has now become the first choice keeper for Spain overthrowing counterpart Casillas in the process. He has made 18 senior appearances for Spain.
Career Stats this season with Manchester United in the Premier League
Age - 26
Nationality - Spanish
Appearances - 24
Kit Number - 1
Saves Per Game - 2.1
Saves - 50
Saves from inside the box - 28
Saves from outside the box - 22
Saves - caught - 9
Catches - 18
Punches - 2
Deflection - 12
Penalties Saved - 0
Clean Sheets - 9
De Gea is arguably the best player United have this season and also one of the best players after the Fergie Era. It has been reported that Real Madrid will make one more move for De Gea, but this time the player is very happy at the club and does not wish to move. It does not look likely but we have to get ready for the worst situation. He already feels like home at United with his mentor keeper coach as United's goalkeeper coach and also is great friends with fellow compatriots and countrymen Ander Herrera and Juan Mata.
De Gea has been the best keeper of United just falling behind Van der Saar and Schmeichel, but few consider him better. He is one of the best keepers in Europe but still he is considered below Neuer and Buffon. But he can emulate them very soon. Do you think so.....
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