5 reasons why David de Gea is the greatest Manchester United goalkeeper of all time

#4 A very modern goalkeeper

An all-rounder that could be a star at any club

Don’t think he’s just a shot-stopper, because De Gea also succeeds in every aspect required from a modern goalkeeper, especially in the Premier League. He’s strong and confident when coming out for crosses, he instructs his defence well and has the ideal concentration skills for a keeper at a club expected to dominate most games.

But most of all, he’s good with the ball at his feet. Unafraid of embarrassing a charging forward with his footwork, the Spanish international is comfortable at both: keeping play ticking over and launching counter-attacks or long balls against a high press. This is a vital asset in the modern game, even for mid-table sides.

The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson signed him partially because of his distribution, something he adored in his previous goalkeepers, says everything. He’s much more than a man holding down the fort, he’s very much a part of the team.