Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, feels David de Gea is a “fantastic” goalkeeper and dismisses the idea that the Spain international is unable to play with his boots.
According to widespread rumors in Spain this week, De Gea did not make Luis Enrique’s 55-man World Cup shortlist and hence would not be picked for next month’s showcase contest in Qatar.
It would be a blatant disregard for the 31-year-old, who has been named United’s Players’ Player of the Year four times, including last season, especially given that three Premier League keepers – Robert Sanchez of Brighton, David Raya of Brentford, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has returned to form at Chelsea – are thought to have made the cut.
Enrique has already said that he does not believe De Gea’s passing out from the back is adequate enough.
However, after De Gea’s outstanding performance in the 1-0 Premier League win against West Ham on Sunday evening, in which he made late saves to deny Michail Antonio, Kurt Zouma, and Declan Rice to seal victory, Ten Hag defended his goalkeeper vehemently.
“Everyone has their own view, but for me, the first priority for a goalie is to defend the goal and not surrender goals,” he said.
“He is amazing in that regard.”
“But he also has ability with his feet.”
That includes not just the keeper but also the player in front and the choices you provide for bringing passes in.
“I am certain he can pull it off.”
He’s shown that in his games thus far.”
De Gea became Manchester United’s highest-paid player when he signed a contract extension worth £375,000 per week in 2019.
He is still regarded as the highest-paid goalie in the world.
That arrangement, though, is set to expire in the summer.
And, although United has the option to prolong it for another year, Ten Hag acknowledges that choices must be taken during the World Cup.
“When we finish this block, we have the World Cup, and then we have to think about it,” he said.
“We have our techniques for dealing with it in the background, but it is apparent now, and I have said it multiple times, I am very pleased with David.”
He is an excellent goalie.
“He’s just 31 years old.
He is in good shape.
He has the potential to go much more.
He was already a standout performer for Manchester United, and I believe he will continue to be such in the future.”
