Van der Sar on “next step for De Gea’s development” [Star]

VancouverUtdFan

New Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2017
Messages
2,514
Supports
Canucks + NE Patriots
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f...-Edwin-Van-Der-Sar-Real-Madrid-Rumours-Gossip
“For myself I preferred that [the other team] didn’t get a shot and the cross got covered, talking with my defenders.

Fully agree - wonderful insight from Van der Sar.


Quite honestly the thought of De Gea guiding the defense never really crossed my mind before for some reason. Might be because he’s the quiet type and we are so accustomed to DDG just doing what he does and that’s stopping shots. But like Van de Sar says, this is the last thing he has to unlock to become a God, at least a bigger one than he already is.

...the greats such as Buffon, VdS, Casillas, etc all had that trait to be able to command defenders and position them seeing things unfold before they actually did. From a pure goalkeeping standpoint, De Gea has it all. I mean who’s kidding? He’s virtually perfect technically but if he were able to learn this ability as well, man oh man. I get there are some captains who lead by example and are quiet and just let their playing do the talking for them. But if Dave could be more vocal to the players in front of him, that would do wonders for him and the team. Being able to direct traffic and dictate the play, what a ripple effect that would have. Imho he should be captain of the club but if he can assert himself as well, that would only further cement the case. Hoping he takes these words to heart as it would only be a positive.
 

meamth

New Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2017
Messages
5,946
Location
Malaysia
It's easier if you have players like Rio who ultimately known for his positioning...

What I'm trying to say is, De Gea needs better CB in front of him.
 

devilish

Juventus fan who used to support United
Joined
Sep 5, 2002
Messages
61,519
It's easier if you have players like Rio who ultimately known for his positioning...

What I'm trying to say is, De Gea needs better CB in front of him.
Exactly.

Also DDG was always no 1 irrespective were he went. Its not as if some 23 year old came from Parma and kicked his arse to Fulham. In many ways, he's more of a natural child prodigy like Buffon then a VDS.

Now, if our 26-28 year olds need to be nannied then its hardly his problem.
 

devilish

Juventus fan who used to support United
Joined
Sep 5, 2002
Messages
61,519
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f...-Edwin-Van-Der-Sar-Real-Madrid-Rumours-Gossip


Fully agree - wonderful insight from Van der Sar.


Quite honestly the thought of De Gea guiding the defense never really crossed my mind before for some reason. Might be because he’s the quiet type and we are so accustomed to DDG just doing what he does and that’s stopping shots. But like Van de Sar says, this is the last thing he has to unlock to become a God, at least a bigger one than he already is.

...the greats such as Buffon, VdS, Casillas, etc all had that trait to be able to command defenders and position them seeing things unfold before they actually did. From a pure goalkeeping standpoint, De Gea has it all. I mean who’s kidding? He’s virtually perfect technically but if he were able to learn this ability as well, man oh man. I get there are some captains who lead by example and are quiet and just let their playing do the talking for them. But if Dave could be more vocal to the players in front of him, that would do wonders for him and the team. Being able to direct traffic and dictate the play, what a ripple effect that would have. Imho he should be captain of the club but if he can assert himself as well, that would only further cement the case. Hoping he takes these words to heart as it would only be a positive.
Keane was a quiet guy with anger issues up until a time when the Inces, the Bruces, the Hughes and the Cantonas started leaving the club/retiring. Then he stepped up and became the captain we all loved and all our players feared. Same with Gary Neville who laid relatively low when Keane, Irwin and Stam were around up until he became a captain. You can't possibly expect DDG to shout at people of his own age/older players to get their shit together. United has a big decision to make. They can either get rid of the old heads in CB, give DDG the captain's band and therefore his baptism of fire. Else they get rid of the older heads and bring a real leader to replace them.
 

SER19

Full Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2008
Messages
12,478
He’s correct but that will come naturally with age. I think we’ve been incredibly lucky to have an overseas player of De geas calibre stay with us during whatbhave really been 5 poor years post Ferguson. He would have 4 champions leagues under his belt and would easily be in the discussion for best ever if he had trophies to back up his incredible performances.

Should we rally this season and manage to win the league or in Europe I’d be incredibly happy for De Gea.
 

Greck

Full Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2016
Messages
7,099
Could help a guy like Phil Jones to have De Gea be his 3rd eye. God knows he needs it
 

unclefredo

Full Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2012
Messages
45
Location
Edinburgh
I think it's more about commanding his area for me. For me, until he can do that he'll be in Schmeichel's shadow - he commanded so much of his area. VDS achieved that by great communication with his back 4, granted he had a great back 4 already. My one criticism of De Gea, and its about the only one, is he's often sticks to his line and plays it safe. Will be intersting to see if he develops in this way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Penna

Wednesday at Stoke

Full Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Messages
21,629
Location
Copenhagen
Supports
Time Travel
Van Der Sar had a set defence ahead of him every game. De Gea has a rotating cast of misfits due to crippling injuries every year. Different circumstances.
 

Lawman

Correctly predicted Portugal to win Euro 2016
Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
10,639
Location
Scotland
His kicking and dominating his area could also be upgraded on if he wants to become an all time great for me. Best GK in the world for me just now but not Buffon peak level.
 

kotha

Full Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Messages
1,710
Role model for ex player commentary. Complimentary, not over the top, realistic and full of respect to the club and de gea.

Instead of the pep can do better with this squad shit.
Definitely..
 

Revaulx

Full Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Messages
6,031
Location
Saddleworth
Van Der Sar had a set defence ahead of him every game. De Gea has a rotating cast of misfits due to crippling injuries every year. Different circumstances.
Really? That’s not how I remember it.

Right back was a revolving door once Neville became past it, and Rio and Vidic were regularly out injured. Only Evra was an ever present.

Edwin was a great organiser, notwithstanding who was in front of him. One of his withering stares was ten times more effective than all of Schmeichel’s shouting.
 

Wednesday at Stoke

Full Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Messages
21,629
Location
Copenhagen
Supports
Time Travel
Really? That’s not how I remember it.

Right back was a revolving door once Neville became past it, and Rio and Vidic were regularly out injured. Only Evra was an ever present.

Edwin was a great organiser, notwithstanding who was in front of him. One of his withering stares was ten times more effective than all of Schmeichel’s shouting.
Rio and vidic weren't regularly injured until about 2009-10.
 

RC89

Full Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
2,967
His kicking and dominating his area could also be upgraded on if he wants to become an all time great for me. Best GK in the world for me just now but not Buffon peak level.
Buffon did dominate his area more for sure. Shot stopping though De Gea is above him, maybe not massively but clear enough.
 

Lawman

Correctly predicted Portugal to win Euro 2016
Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
10,639
Location
Scotland
Buffon did dominate his area more for sure. Shot stopping though De Gea is above him, maybe not massively but clear enough.
Yeah DDG reflexes are cat like for sure. But I still think he needs to get better and braver in crosses and kicking to be considered the goat.
 

worldinmotion66

Full Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2015
Messages
2,028
I think Van Der Sar became a more vocal organiser when he reached his peak. It's certainly something that will come with age and experience for De Gea I think. That said, even Schmeichel would have trouble organising some of these defenders at times.
 

Infordin

Full Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2016
Messages
3,897
Supports
Barcelona
Buffon did dominate his area more for sure. Shot stopping though De Gea is above him, maybe not massively but clear enough.
I disagree.
 
Last edited:

OnlyTwoDaSilvas

Gullible
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
21,623
Location
The Mathews Bridge
Coming off his line has always been his weakness. It's strange how he's massively improved almost every other aspect of his game except that. I'm not talking about him being a sweeper keeper, coming right out of box and diving-heading it out for a throw or something outrageous. Just coming to claim through balls and lofted balls over the top which have the defence running towards their own goal. Quite often defenders will be calling for him to make a clearance or claim a ball and he's rooted to his line.

I don't think he needs to be screaming at his defenders to make that next step up. Just be more decisive at coming off his line, and having more presence outside his 6 yard box to claim those balls that got between him and the defenders.
 

Web of Bissaka

Full Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2017
Messages
8,553
Location
Losing to Comeback Winning!
Defense organization (open play and set-piece) - I can already see him being more and more imposing and vocal commanding the defenders and defense wall.

Kicking - still so inconsistent. Played better with Lindelof at the back in passing game.

Dealing with crosses - improved, less shaky, better decisions when to punch or collect or let defense handle it. Not a bad punch.

Coming off his line - still need more work here, clear out any early signs of danger or cutting down angles for shooting.

Counter attacks - no targets to aim so the onus is on the outfield players here. Showed quick counter intents and good throwing skills albeit rare chance to throw.
 

Eddy_JukeZ

Full Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
16,977
I think his biggest weakness is not coming off his line quick enough. He's rooted to the goal too much at times.
 

Peyroteo

Professional Ronaldo PR Guy
Joined
Jan 11, 2016
Messages
10,884
Location
Porto, Portugal
Supports
Sporting CP
He's right. De Gea's reflexes are as good as any goalkeeper I've seen but he still lacks in other departments, he doesn't really organize the defense, he's not great at coming out for crosses and his technical ability with his feet could be improved.
 

Ajax Treesdown

New Member
Newbie
Joined
May 4, 2017
Messages
200
Its tough to pick holes in de gea since he has been so immense for us, but I agree the. the majority of posters here, commanding the box, improving his kicking and alleviate the hesitation to come off his line are all areas to improve. I remember Rio saying how awesome it was having VDS in the sticks telling him where he needed to go whether that be drop off, move left , move right. I think this is something DDG can grow into but it also depends on his character whether he has the desire and drive to be a true leader.
 

PeteManic

Full Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2012
Messages
2,152
Comes back to the old goalkeeper saying: "Good keepers make good saves, great goalkeepers make great saves, but the best goalkeepers don't make any saves at all". All about organising the defence. But that will come with age and also getting better defenders in front of him.
 

12OunceEpilogue

In perfect harmony
Scout
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
18,392
Location
Wigan
Edwin's bang on here, De Gea needs to be more dominant in his box. His own attributes are GOAT level but it's how he interacts with teammates that's the issue.

Apologies for bumping this thread for no good reason but I'm thinking about Edwin Van der Sar for some reason today. What a man, what a player.
 

Member 93275

Guest
Isn't it a bit late for DDG to grow into that aspect? VDS already had it as a youngster.
 

VeevaVee

The worst "V"
Scout
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
46,248
Location
Manchester
Be easier to guide a group of toddlers than the likes of Smalling, Phil Jones, Bailly, Rojo, Shaw.
 

Moriarty

Full Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2008
Messages
18,993
Location
Reichenbach Falls
Edwin's bang on here, De Gea needs to be more dominant in his box. His own attributes are GOAT level but it's how he interacts with teammates that's the issue.

Apologies for bumping this thread for no good reason but I'm thinking about Edwin Van der Sar for some reason today. What a man, what a player.
It might help if he had a couple of top-notch defenders in front of him. Schmeichel would bawl at Bruce and Pallister like they were a couple of rookies, and VDS was cut from similar cloth. Those two would organize the defence at set pieces and would be quick to identify where the opposition was breaking through. De Gea is a fantastic last line and pulls off some incredible saves. But how often do you see him berating his defenders for allowing the shot in the first place?
 

predator

Youth NITK
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Messages
6,754
Location
South Manchester
Tbf I see De Gea giving a lot of verbal abuse to our defenders and rightfully so. I personally cannot complain about De Gea or his attributes because he has pulled us out the shit time and time again. If he did leave us and we replaced him with an average keeper then we would be in a world of hurt with the same defenders and their lack of cohesion.
 

MaCo

New Member
Newbie
Joined
Apr 13, 2015
Messages
37
Location
Amsterdam
Supports
AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona
It might help if he had a couple of top-notch defenders in front of him. Schmeichel would bawl at Bruce and Pallister like they were a couple of rookies, and VDS was cut from similar cloth. Those two would organize the defence at set pieces and would be quick to identify where the opposition was breaking through. De Gea is a fantastic last line and pulls off some incredible saves. But how often do you see him berating his defenders for allowing the shot in the first place?
I disagree, I think it is more important now then when he has top-notch defenders in front of him. The current defenders need all the help / structure they can get get. If DDG can explain what he wants them to do and behave, by coaching them he can understand them better and they become beter defenders. With the best in the world in front of you, they do not need much advise from a GK as they are hardly being taken seriously by field players.