Despite his initial struggles during his debut season in the Premier League, David De Gea believes he can become one of Manchester United's great goalkeepers.
Having joined United for £18 900 000 from Atletico Madrid, a lot was expected from the youngster who was brought in as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.
However, the 21-year-old has not found life in the Premier League easy, mixing a number of fine saves with some big errors. Perhaps most worrying has been the manner in which he has struggled to adapt physically, with his relatively small stature often seeing him muscled out by stronger opponents.
De Gea admits the physicality of the league has been difficult to adjust to but that it is a challenge he knew would come and one that he is confident he can overcome.
"I think it is fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world," he said.
"But it's well known the style of play here is rather more physical and, as a goalkeeper, you have to be right on it. You have to be attentive all through the match.
"The players coming at you can shoot from any angle and from distance. You need to be aware you might get a shot from distance at any time.
"Having said that, there's a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play. So you have to be able to get in there and block, interfere and stop shots being taken.
"I knew when I was coming to United this was the style of play. So I was pretty much ready and I was already confident."
While his shaky start has some wondering if he should be United's number one now, let alone in the long term, the man himself is determined to become one of the Red Devils' greatest goalkeepers.
"I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United," he asserted.
"I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history."
Having joined United for £18 900 000 from Atletico Madrid, a lot was expected from the youngster who was brought in as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.
However, the 21-year-old has not found life in the Premier League easy, mixing a number of fine saves with some big errors. Perhaps most worrying has been the manner in which he has struggled to adapt physically, with his relatively small stature often seeing him muscled out by stronger opponents.
De Gea admits the physicality of the league has been difficult to adjust to but that it is a challenge he knew would come and one that he is confident he can overcome.
"I think it is fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world," he said.
"But it's well known the style of play here is rather more physical and, as a goalkeeper, you have to be right on it. You have to be attentive all through the match.
"The players coming at you can shoot from any angle and from distance. You need to be aware you might get a shot from distance at any time.
"Having said that, there's a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play. So you have to be able to get in there and block, interfere and stop shots being taken.
"I knew when I was coming to United this was the style of play. So I was pretty much ready and I was already confident."
While his shaky start has some wondering if he should be United's number one now, let alone in the long term, the man himself is determined to become one of the Red Devils' greatest goalkeepers.
"I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United," he asserted.
"I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history."
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