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Manchester City v Manchester United: Combined XI

By David Gate

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Manager Jose Mourinho of Manchester United watches from the touchline the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Manager Jose Mourinho of Manchester United watches from the touchline the EFL Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
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David de Gea

How long do you think it took me decide this? A nanosecond. Perhaps it was a millisecond. Anyway, it was instant and it was obvious. David de Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. There are very few people who wouldn’t have him in their top 5 in the world. The only competition he has in the Premier League is from Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois. And I would choose de Gea every time.

It hasn’t actually been a stellar season for the Spaniard. The defensive system Mourinho has put in place has made it easier for de Gea than in recent years. Manchester United’s defensive personnel had been prone to individual errors but they are so well-drilled they provide good cover for their keeper.  Even in a less than spectacular season de Gea leads the league in clean sheets and only Spurs have let in less goals.

Manchester City would kill for a keeper like De Gea. After shipping out Joe Hart on loan to Torino manager Pep Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo. He lasted less than half a season before the mistakes couldn’t be ignored. Willy Caballero has replaced him and been the better of the two. That is weak praise. There can only be one choice for the Combined XI goalkeeper spot.

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