I'm calling it: DDG is the best we've ever had

[Web of Bissaka]

Is there another player in world football who did nothing of note in European/International competition and was labelled the best in the world just for his shot stopping ability in domestic football?

He was a good shot stopper but he was never at any time the best in the world. The best players don't only turn up in domestic football.

Because at that time Neuer started declining and no other keepers really impress the football world, not domestic, nor european, nor international. People try to big up Courtois at that time but he wasn't that impressive in comparison.

Do people seriously forget how godlike De Gea's performances were in those seasons when he was justified to be labelled as best keeper in the world.

Oh well, that was then, now is now. He's no longer the best keeper in the world.

 

[Marcus]

I think that was really not an easy save to make. It was almost point blank. You try and get to it and hope you get something on it. He did get something on it but not enough. That goal is on the defence.

 

[Jeppers7]

Because at that time Neuer started declining and no other keepers really impress the football world, not domestic, nor european, nor international. People try to big up Courtois at that time but he wasn't that impressive in comparison.

Do people seriously forget how godlike De Gea's performances were in those seasons when he was justified to be labelled as best keeper in the world.

Oh well, that was then, now is now. He's no longer the best keeper in the world.

He was unbelievable for around four seasons. Rightly considered the best in the world.

 

[charlenefan]

Approaching his 10th season here. One league title. Nothing of note in Europe. Nothing of note for Spain. United fans might remember all his POTYs but history won't be kind to him. In 10 years' time no one will be putting him above Schmeichel or VDS, never mind mentioning him in GOAT debates.

The Van Nistelrooy of goalkeepers for United

 

[dalriada]

Players can go from hero to zero very quickly, especially in forums like this. His form has clearly dropped compared to his best seasons and football is a short-term business, so if it continues there is a decision to be made, particularly as we have a very good second keeper (but who apparently can't play regular first team) and Henderson in such good form.

I still contend it's too early to risk replacing him with Henderson, who is a great prospect but playing in a much more defensive setup. We could bring Henderson back and make him and De Gea fight it out, much as DDG had to with Lindegaard in his first two seasons. Henderson may well prefer regular first team football elsewhere. There would a question of what we do then with Romero, would we keep him as a keeper for cup tournaments (accepting his appearances will diminish anyway if we re-enter ECL), or use DDG and Henderson?

The statistics on his titles are irrelevant to his current form - most of his time here has been during years since SAF retired and we haven't been winning much. At times he's been our player of the month or the season, which speaks volumes about the people he's been playing with. In the case of the Spain team, he has likewise been playing in a team in decline and Casillas was the first-choice keeper during their most successful years.

At present I would stick with him, unless he performs disastrously in the remaining matches this season. Otherwise, assuming Henderson's loan to Sheffield Utd is renewed for next season, we would have to rotate him with Romero. I still think he's one of the best two keepers in the EPL, along with Allison, but the margin of difference is no longer as big, if you watch the performances of most of the other EPL keepers and that's where Roy Keane's "most overrated keeper" rant has a grain of truth in it.

 

[BenitoSTARR]

I think that was really not an easy save to make. It was almost point blank. You try and get to it and hope you get something on it. He did get something on it but not enough. That goal is on the defence.

I really like De Gea but he should do better on that shot.

The defence put him in a crappy situation which isn’t his fault but I do think he could have done more with it.

 

[Sandikan]

Whenever fans question player loyalty you just have to look at situations like this.

Undisputed best in the world to people saying he shouldn't even start for us.

 

[BenitoSTARR]

Whenever fans question player loyalty you just have to look at situations like this.

Undisputed best in the world to people saying he shouldn't even start for us.

Should start next game and unquestionably our best GK at the moment.

A very short term view is taken and I don’t think 3 months of no football has helped people’s judgements.

De Gea hasn’t been his best this season but he’s still comfortably one of the best in the world.

 

[The Cat]

I'm not blaming anyone for making mistakes for a few games at the moment. They've not played for ages and the whole situation is still surreal.

I will judge him again at the end of the season.

 

[Havak]

This might be a bit premature of me, but I think Ole and the team will have to give Dave a bit of an ultimatum. He will play out the rest of this season for sure and probably start every game now bar the second leg against LASK (maybe Norwich in the FA Cup but I'd start him there as well). However, I think he'd have to get himself closer to the level we know he can perform at the season after.

I'd expect he is our no.1 next season and Henderson will be on loan again. But, after that if Dave isn't cutting it and the pressure is on, I think Henderson might displace him.

 

[Deery]

but he’s still comfortably one of the best in the world.

Going by his recent form he wouldn’t even be comfortably the best in the a Championship, never mind the world..

 

[Nikelesh Reddy]

This might be a bit premature of me, but I think Ole and the team will have to give Dave a bit of an ultimatum. He will play out the rest of this season for sure and probably start every game now bar the second leg against LASK (maybe Norwich in the FA Cup but I'd start him there as well). However, I think he'd have to get himself closer to the level we know he can perform at the season after.

I'd expect he is our no.1 next season and Henderson will be on loan again. But, after that if Dave isn't cutting it and the pressure is on, I think Henderson might displace him.

Agree with this.Its too premature to call for his head,we need to give him some more time to get back to his best...Henderson can stay on loan for another season...

 

[mancan92]

I think that was really not an easy save to make. It was almost point blank. You try and get to it and hope you get something on it. He did get something on it but not enough. That goal is on the defence.

How was it point blank?

 

[Keefy18]

Never seen VDS save the shots de gea has on a regular day and as consistent. Wasn’t old enough to watch schmeichel so I can’t say.

One of many, many top saves from Big Pete! I do agree that De Gea probably edges it slightly as a shot stopper, but that is simply one metric to judge a keeper on.

Big Pete was a far better leader, he kept the back line focused and he was far better at demanding his box. He was vastly superior in the air and claiming crosses and set pieces.

I also believe DDG is overly fond of the theatrics with his saves to be honest.

 

[Adnan]

One of many, many top saves from Big Pete! I do agree that De Gea probably edges it slightly as a shot stopper, but that is simply one metric to judge a keeper on.

Big Pete was a far better leader, he kept the back line focused and he was far better at demanding his box. He was vastly superior in the air and claiming crosses and set pieces.

I also believe DDG is overly fond of the theatrics with his saves to be honest.

He was a fantastic shot stopper, a fantastic communicator, commanded his box and would put his head where the likes of De Gea wouldn't.

Proved his class on the international stage for unfancied Denmark and he was a key cog in them winning the Euros. Proved it in the champions league with United and the above video is a illustration of what a beast he was. He proved it at every level he played at and scared the the living day lights out out of opposing attackers at a time when goal keepers weren't protected.

I can do the same for VdS who performed at the highest level as a young keeper at Ajax etc but i'm not gonna bother.

Both these chaps stand alone due to the heights they reached as keepers and the level they performed at for club and country. They were the best two keepers we ever had.

 

[Keefy18]

He was a fantastic shot stopper, a fantastic communicator, commanded his box and would put his head where the likes of De Gea wouldn't.

Proved his class on the international stage for unfancied Denmark and he was a key cog in them winning the Euros. Proved it in the champions league with United and the above video is a illustration of what a beast he was. He proved it at every level he played at and scared the the living day lights out out of opposing attackers at a time when goal keepers weren't protected.

I can do the same for VdS who performed at the highest level as a young keeper at Ajax etc but i'm not gonna bother.

Both these chaps stand alone due to the heights they reached as keepers and the level they performed at for club and country. They were the best two keepers we ever had.

Most likely, I think Gregg deserves a mention also.

But yes to my mind I'd probably have it Pete, VDS, DDG & Gregg.

 

[TheLord]

I can safely say without a shadow of a doubt I'd suck him off if it meant he would stay forever.

No offense, but what we write in online platforms can come bite us back big-time.

 

[Adnan]

Most likely, I think Gregg deserves a mention also.

But yes to my mind I'd probably have it Pete, VDS, DDG & Gregg.

Gregg was before my time so please forgive me on that one mate.

But I agree with you on the order no question.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

When We had Phil Jones and Smalling He was unbeatable and kept pulling off ridiculous saves. Now that We have got proper defenders and more cohesive team, He makes mistakes. You could not make this up.

When the planets are aligned They will all perform at the same period, and win the World Cup.

Maybe those two helped him out to cover shoots and make the job easier? Also by putting more pressure on the attackers.

 

[crossy1686]

Said it at the time and I maintain it. His form had clearly regressed coming up to the end of his contract, mistakes all over the place for Spain, making silly errors that she be easily dealt with by an elite goalkeeper on his salary. We should have sold instead of renewing his contract and gone for someone like Schmeichel.

I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper, I just don't think he's good enough to be on the wages he's on and he's too complacent to be considered an elite goalkeeper. My main concern is that nowadays he's not even reliable anymore and now we are well and truly stuck with him on a daft contract, ala Sanchez.

We have to bring Henderson back and hope that kicks him up the arse.

 

[Keefy18]

Gregg was before my time so please forgive me on that one mate.

But I agree with you on the order no question.

Before mine as well but he was from all reports a superb keeper and but for Munich he'd likely of won the European cup.

 

[Cassidy]

Should start next game and unquestionably our best GK at the moment.

A very short term view is taken and I don’t think 3 months of no football has helped people’s judgements.

De Gea hasn’t been his best this season but he’s still comfortably one of the best in the world.

Hasn't been that for 2 years now

 

[Keefy18]

Maybe those two helped him out to cover shoots and make the job easier? Also by putting more pressure on the attackers.

I think its a mix of focus and his reactions going.

Previously he was worked far more consistently and had to remain focused throughout a full 90 mins.

I was torn apart time and time again on the Jose threads stating matter of fact that De Gea made more saves during Jose's tenure than LVG's! Regardless, through those 4 and a bit season's one thing was consistent, that Dave was routinely worked.

Now?

He has a fairly reliable back 4 and at least 1 holding MF in front doing their job well and we are starting to function slightly better as a unit that in any of those previous 4 season's and the focus isn't at the same level and in turn his reactions are poorer.

 

[diarm]

I think that was really not an easy save to make. It was almost point blank. You try and get to it and hope you get something on it. He did get something on it but not enough. That goal is on the defence.

I don't think you understand what point blank means.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

I think its a mix of focus and his reactions going.

Previously he was worked far more consistently and to remain focused throughout a full 90 mins.

I was torn apart time and time again on the Jose threads stating matter of fact that De Gea made more saves during Jose's tenure than LVG's! Regardless, through those 4 and a bit season's one thing was consistent, that Dave was routinely worked.

Now?

He has a fairly reliable back 4 and at least 1 holding MF in front doing their job well and we are starting to function slightly better as a unit that in any of those previous 4 season's and the focus isn't at the same level and in turn his reactions are poorer.

I think it must be mental. He makes so many easy errors since the world cup. Might be better for him to be under pressure since he gain confidence from the saves..

 

[Relevated]

How are people saying hes only been making mistakes for a couple months? Its been years. He cost us Europe last. He WAS the best in the world at points and has been incredibly loyal, but guess what? The fax machine was more loyal to us than he was. Hes only here because it broke down.

 

[Relevated]

I think it must be mental. He makes so many easy errors since the world cup. Might be better for him to be under pressure since he gain confidence from the saves..

Didn't he also have some vision issues? I wouldn't be surprised if its deteriorated a little.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Didn't he also have some vision issues? I wouldn't be surprised if its deteriorated a little.

Not heard of that. Would explain things if his eyes have got worse.

 

[Relevated]

http://sportwitness.co.uk/former-david-de-gea-teammate-recalls-vision-problems-better-not-mess/


Guys, does anyone recollect if he had surgery? Im pretty sure he was going to at some point

 

[bsCallout]

Henderson is at a better level than De Gea was when he joined. Time for Henderson to prove he can be our no.1

We won't win a title with De Gea now.

 

[Keefy18]

I think it must be mental. He makes so many easy errors since the world cup. Might be better for him to be under pressure since he gain confidence from the saves..

Kinda my thinking, focus is a mental attribute.

When he was worked more he remained focused and on edge to make these instinctive saves.

With the focus not 100% it in turn makes him panic or have doubt and his body form / shape is off for many of these saves that are lets be honest, often quite routine.

There is also a common mistake happening with him, pop shots from distance and fumbling the ball badly OR... Being beaten at his near post. The latter is an absolute no no for all keepers.

 

[Gopher Brown]

Schmeichel was Degea plus presence and the distribution of Ederson. VDS is overrated, doesn’t mean he wasn’t a great keeper but he wasn’t on Schmeichels level for any of the above. I’d say DeGea was on Schmeichels level for shot stopping, perhaps even better a little, but offers little else.

DeGea now though is a liability.

That's not true at all. Schmeichel was a quite rickety with his kicking and passing and wasn't as good as van der Sar in this regard. His throwing was good though.

 

[fps]

Kinda my thinking, focus is a mental attribute.

When he was worked more he remained focused and on edge to make these instinctive saves.

With the focus not 100% it in turn makes him panic or have doubt and his body form / shape is off for many of these saves that are lets be honest, often quite routine.

There is also a common mistake happening with him, pop shots from distance and fumbling the ball badly OR... Being beaten at his near post. The latter is an absolute no no for all keepers.

Yes. He seems to have the yips. He's not developed as an organiser of a defence or owner of his box either. He needs to progress as a player in mentality, he can't rely on his insane reflexes and eyesight to the extent he used to, and needs to accept that and adapt.

 

[Jeppers7]

That's not true at all. Schmeichel was a quite rickety with his kicking and passing and wasn't as good as van der Sar in this regard. His throwing was good though.

I didn’t say feet. He could throw like ederson kicks. VDS wasn’t great with his feet.

 

[bosnian_red]

Hes declined since that Spurs game in January 2019 (for us). Overall since that world cup for Spain. Was best in the world til that point for a good 3 years or so though. Love him and he'll go down as a United legend, but unfortunately he came at a time of transition.

I'm not entirely surprised at a relatively early decline (for goalkeepers) though. He had ridiculous reflexes which in his peak, made him the best in the world. He lost that sharpness he once had and that makes a massive difference for goalkeepers, more than any other position. Being a split second slower to react changes everything for them, and now we see him making these mistakes somewhat regularly as a result of that sharpness not being what it was. I think he'll stay as the starter for next season, and then the season after Henderson take over. But it'll do Henderson good to remain at Sheffield for another year IMO.

 

[Paolo Di Canio]

Would the timeline be correct his performance dropped after we changed goalkeeping coaches?

 

[Relevated]

Hes declined since that Spurs game in January 2019 (for us). Overall since that world cup for Spain. Was best in the world til that point for a good 3 years or so though. Love him and he'll go down as a United legend, but unfortunately he came at a time of transition.

I'm not entirely surprised at a relatively early decline (for goalkeepers) though. He had ridiculous reflexes which in his peak, made him the best in the world. He lost that sharpness he once had and that makes a massive difference for goalkeepers, more than any other position. Being a split second slower to react changes everything for them, and now we see him making these mistakes somewhat regularly as a result of that sharpness not being what it was. I think he'll stay as the starter for next season, and then the season after Henderson take over. But it'll do Henderson good to remain at Sheffield for another year IMO.

What good will it do playing Henderson in a team, setup and club atmosphere thats different to ours?

Goalkeepers dont develop the same as outfield players. He needs to come here and prove himself and evolve, I believe.

 

[Ed9]

Is there another player in world football who did nothing of note in European/International competition and was labelled the best in the world just for his shot stopping ability in domestic football?

He was a good shot stopper but he was never at any time the best in the world. The best players don't only turn up in domestic football.

Oh my. He was clearly the best in the world at his peak. He was a freak of nature, people forget selectively.

 

[bosnian_red]

What good will it do playing Henderson in a team, setup and club atmosphere thats different to ours?

Goalkeepers dont develop the same as outfield players. He needs to come here and prove himself and evolve, I believe.

Because de gea is still a good goalkeeper, just not the best around anymore. Henderson has had 1 year in the premier league where hes still made mistakes, just they haven't been highlighted as he hasn't been in the spotlight. Sheffield will be more in the spotlight next season, and a 2nd season as a starter in the premier league with a solid side will give him a more solid foundation, before making the step up. You don't want to rush these changes and throw him in after 1 good season at this level, its really not good development IMO. On top of that, I think theres 0 chance that the club does that as well. Fans might think it's time, but its never done that quickly. De Gea had 4 years as the best in the world and then a bad 1.5 seasons. He's not going to be replaced right away.

 

[Adnan]

.

Oh my. He was clearly the best in the world at his peak. He was a freak of nature, people forget selectively.

Name me another player who was considered the world's best just for performing at domestic level?.

De Gea was very good in the English competition but was never the world's best IMO. The world's best perform against the cream of the crop in Europe and internationally. Schmeichel and VdS were genuinely among the world's best, not De Gea IMO.