Top 5 Goalkeepers plying their trade in Europe 

#3 David de Gea (Manchester United)

David de Gea adjusting his goal guardians v Leicester City in the Premier League

Next in the list is the Spain national team goalkeeper, David de Gea, who plays for Manchester United in the Premier League. De Gea is known for his quick reflexes and outstanding shot-stopping ability in the goal. He has evolved himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world despite his slender frame.

David has shown a remarkable improvement as a shot-stopper with experience. In his early career, he was unable to maintain clean sheets. However, recently he has managed to win the Golden Glove award.

Born in Madrid, De Gea started his senior career at Atletico Madrid in the 2009-10 season. He managed to become the starting goalkeeper for Atletico, due to an injury to Roberto and some costly mistakes committed by Asenjo, then first choice goalkeeper of the club. He grabbed the opportunity and thrived under pressure in the season. His outstanding performance helped Rojiblancos to win the UEFA Super Cup in 2010-11.

With Edwin van der Sar retiring, Manchester United was looking for an apt replacement. The performances of De Gea could not have been missed by the United management. They pursued his signature; successfully offered a contract and brought him down at Old Trafford.

In his first season in charge, De Gea had a topsy-turvy ride in the campaign. He started the season brilliantly. But mid-way through the first half of the season, destiny betrayed. He had a horrible performance against city rivals Manchester City, with the scoreline reading 6-1 in the favor of the Citizens. It was the worst defeat for Manchester United since 1930. The subsequent poor form had cost him dearly. He lost his place in the side to his deputy Anders Lindegaard. However, somewhere in the sky, God was writing a different script for him.

He returned against Chelsea at the beginning of the second half of the season, after an injury to Lindegaard. Thereafter, De Gea showcased some extraordinary shot-stopping talent, keeping 8 clean sheets in the rest of the matches of the season.

In the 2012-13 campaign, De Gea managed 11 clean sheets in 28 appearances to help United win the Premier League. He went on to win the Manchester United's Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons starting from the 2013-14 season.

De Gea kept 18 clean sheets in the 2017-18 campaign to win the Premier League Gloden Glove award for the first time.

However, for David de Gea, the World Cup in Russia didn't go as planned. His mistakes cost Spain an exit in the round of 16 of the tournament. He let a Cristiano Ronaldo strike pass through his grasp, in the first match against Portugal, which he should have stopped even in his sleep.

Manchester United is in the quest for their glory days since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. David de Gea will have to shoulder the responsibility of taking the team forward. Though not the captain of his team, yet with leadership qualities in his armour, could he become the source of inspiration United are looking for? Old Trafford will have to wait for the answer.