David de Gea (born 7 November 1990) is a Spanish footballer who plays as a goal-keeper. He signed for Manchester United football club in June 2011 to replace United’s retired goal-keeper, Edwin Van Der Sar.
David De Gea represented Spain in the U-21 level and won the U-21 European Championships with them in June 2011 beating Switzerland 2 – 0 in the final and keeping a clean sheet in the process.
He also won The U – 17 European Championships with Spain in 2007 and was selected in the provisional squad for Spain’s Senior Team for The FIFA World Cup in 2010 but could not make the final cut.
He started his career with Atletico Madrid’s youth system at the age of 10 years old and gradually made his way up to Atletico’s senior team, first making a break-through with their B team and then finally making it through to their senior team.
His biggest club honor is helping his club beat Fulham 2 – 1 in The Europa League final in 2010. He later helped his Atletico Madrid team win The UEFA Super Cup against Inter Milan 2 – 0 saving a Diego Milito penalty in the process.
Strengths and Weaknesses –
De Gea’s specialties lie in his commanding shot-stopping skills and his brilliant reflexes and at the young age of 20, his best is yet to come his most important attribute is his calmness under pressure and his command of the six-yard box along with his agility.
His distribution has been labeled as one of his weaknesses but at the age of 20, he has time on his side and can improve his distribution skills. He stands at 1.93 meters (6 ft 4 in) making his height a great advantage in defending corners and free kicks.
Stats –
National Team –
■ Spain U-17
■ Spain U-19
■ Spain U-20
■ Spain U-21
Clubs –
■ Atletico Madrid B (35 Appearances)
■ Atletico Madrid (57 Appearances)
■ Manchester United football club (0 Appearances)
Total Appearances – 92 Appearances for Club.
Saves – 220 saves in 57 Appearances for Atletico Madrid.
