David De Gea - is he good enough?

Robbo

Robbo

Robbo

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There has been a lot of talk about De Gea the last few days, mostly about whether Fergie wants to ship him off and get a more experienced goalkeeper in, or the goal that many feel was his fault at Spurs.

There are articles such as this claiming a replacement is being sought (though Casillas is obviously very wishful thinking):

Manchester United on the hunt to replace flailing goalkeeper David de Gea with Iker Casillas on their radar
Manchester United are actively searching for an experienced and imposing goalkeeper to replace David de Gea at the end of the season because of a growing acceptance at Old Trafford that the Spaniard is unsuitable for the demands of English football. Link
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Since his 'flappy' punch against Spurs, pundits have been discussing it with Gary Neville being arguably more critical than anyone. He admits he has great potential but feels that any good saves he makes are undone by the errors he makes.

I personally think he's obviously an exceptional talent, and his shot stopping is second to none, as are his reflexes. However, that's just one side of the game. Confidence, strength and dealing with crosses/corners are massively important, especially in the premier league. I can't picture De Gea being a 'buff' goalkeeper who can consistently win high balls into the box, as much as I want to, I just can't picture it on a weekly basis. I think there are probably goalkeepers who are better suited to the Premier League style of football than De Gea, he'll get there in time, but he's going to cost us some points along the way.

Is he really 'unsuitable for the demands of English football'?
 
Gary Neville says David De Gea's team-mates will be "unforgiving" over the mistake that cost Manchester United victory at Tottenham.

The Spanish goalkeeper's weak punch to the feet of Aaron Lennon in the dying moments at White Hart Lane allowed the Spurs winger to set the Clint Dempsey's equaliser, a result which saw United's lead over title rivals Manchester City cut to five points.

Sky Sports expert Neville said the body language of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Danny Welbeck in the immediate aftermath of the goal showed that they were "furious" with the goalkeeper and is certain that words will have been exchanged in the dressing room afterwards.

"The idea that they're saying 'unlucky mate, let's go and have a drink.' That is not that place. Anybody is misguided if they believe that is what happens," he said.

"There is an incredible amount of accountability in that dressing room, this is not a place that is forgiving. This is not a place where you won't get people who will confront each other when mistakes are made.

"If you play at that club, in that dressing room under that manager it's not a case of destroying his confidence, it's about learning fast.

"You've got to learn the hard way and he's learning in a very unforgiving environment where he's judged continuously at the highest level."
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http://www1.skysports.com/football/...nd-more-of-David-De-Gea-after-Tottenham-error

Here's an article on Neville's comments.
 
I think that now, in a reasonably short space of time, he's transformed into an absolutely magnificent goalkeeper. There aren't many I'd swap him for (if any - taking age into account).
 
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