Sport

‘The best goalkeeper in the world’: Javier Hernandez lauds Manchester United team-mate David De Gea

By John McDougall

Manchester United’s young shot stopper David De Gea is up there with the world’s best in-between the sticks, according to team-mate Javier Hernandez.

The Spanish under-21 international – who cost £19million from Atletico Madrid in 2011 – won the Premier League title last season and was voted in the PFA Team of the Year.

But Mexican striker Hernandez feels De Gea is now not just the best goalkeeper in England, but also across Europe and beyond.

“David had to be up there with the best players in the world right now,” he told United’s official website. “David has really shown his quality.

“For me he’s the best goalkeeper in the world because at his age many people would have been scared to give him the place he’s earned for himself.”

The 22-year-old – who is yet to appear for the senior Spanish national team – kept 11 Premier League clean sheets as the Red Devils won the title back from Manchester City.

However the Madrid-born star was rotated at Old Trafford with Danish stopper Anders Lindegaard in September and November as ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack.

But Hernandez – also known as Chicharito – feels his team-mate responded well to the increased competition and has now made the position his own.  

“I think he’s really benefited from being given the opportunity to play on a regular basis. He was first choice between the sticks,” he said.

“I think any player in the world shows his true ability when he gets the chance to have a decent run of games in the side.

“He was voted the best keeper in the Premier League, so I’d say he’s doing very nicely.”

Picture courtesy of Yahoo with thanks.

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