Rankings: The best 10 players to watch at the World Cup
By Kian Long
6. David de Gea
Regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, especially amid Manuel Neuer’s exclusion from club football this season, the Spaniard will look to impress on the world stage.
Spain have failed to live up to their golden era hype in recent competitions, after winning three consecutive international trophies. If they are to go far in this year’s World Cup, they will have a heavy reliance on David de Gea.
He has looked sloppy at times in recent friendlies, particularly against Switzerland, but there’s no disputing his immense talent.
He always seems to pick up the points for Manchester United in England, so he will need to the same for his country on the world stage.
He will have a solid defense to protect him, of course. But should anything come through the defense, then Spain will be in safe hands, literally, nine times out of ten with de Gea in goal.
His pedigree became known to the world when Real Madrid first became interested in him. He almost made the move, and ever since, he’s been linked with the club in every transfer window.
An impressive display with Spain will only exacerbate the interest from Madrid’s point of view, and who knows? Perhaps de Gea will secretly have this at the back of his mind.