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When Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster stepped out to praise David de Gea, the former Manchester United shot-stopper knew exactly what he was saying. De Gea is one of the best if not the very best goalkeeper in the world.
United's greatest ever manager Sir Alex Ferguson was reported to have directly singled him out as a 19-year-old while at Atletico Madrid. Ferguson was involved in sanctioning his transfer as he believed his gamble would pay off.
Foster had kind words for De Gea after he pulled a string of remarkable saves when United went to Vicarage Road in the Premier League. Foster gave him the highest of compliments in football by referring to De Gea as the 'Messi of goalkeepers'.
This was in reference to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi who is arguably one of the best players of all time. Messi is known for precision in his craft and goal-scoring ability. In that regard, Foster saw De Gea as the most elite player in the world who is between the posts.
It is hard to dispute that if his performances are anything to go by. He came to United as a skinny and tall young man. Yes, he made some mistakes early on in his career but Ferguson always believed in his talent. He had to bulk up in order to have the proper physique that would match the nature of the Premier League. De Gea has shown why is an elite goalkeeper.
#3 Stats don't lie
De Gea's numbers are just flat out impressive. He has made 243 Premier League appearances for Manchester United since he joined. Out of this, he has got 94 clean sheets and 668 saves.
With him behind the goal, he has won the Premier League, Europa League, League Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield at United. At the individual level, he won the Golden Glove last season. He is one of the last few players from the Ferguson days who can inspire the rest. His way of inspiring is quite simple, performance.
#2 Flashy reflexes
As a goalkeeper, one of the most important qualities is having solid reaction time. No better goalkeeper in the world shows this than De Gea.
Over the last couple of seasons, his quick reflexes have either kept United in the match or ensured a win even with the defence seemingly exposed.
A case and point is the Premier League match between Liverpool and United in October 2017 at Anfield. De Gea's goal was exposed with Joel Matip pouncing to tap the ball goalwards. De Gea somehow to get across the goal and make a goal-line clearance at the death with his outstretched leg.
#1 Match-winning performances
The number one thing associated with the Spaniard is undoubtedly his ability to make saves. De Gea has time and again made certain goal-bound efforts look like routine saves.
It does not matter the venom in the shot, technique or if it a close-range header as he would pull an unexpected save. He has been able to electrify the world with his saves to the point that fans started online phrases like #Davesaves or De Gea could save the Titanic from sinking.
In December 2017, Arsenal certainly felt hard done when De Gea pulled off a remarkable 14 saves as United won 3-1 at the Emirates. The Gunners were so good on the night that they could have comfortably won by seven clear goals. However, the brick wall that was De Gea would have none of that. There are no signs that he is slowing down this season.
