Top 3 replacement for David de Gea. One of the best goalkeepers to ever represent Manchester United, David de Gea, has solidified his legendary position. In his ten-year commitment to the Old Trafford team, he signed as a teenager and has played 545 games while recording a club-record 190 clean sheets.
But because his contract is about to expire, the team is in a pickle. Many people think that now is the perfect time for the Red Devils to change. His season has been memorable for both its highs and lows, and worries about his goalkeeping and ball-playing skills are only intensifying.
Even though Ten Hag won the Premier League Golden Glove this year, Ten Hag cannot guarantee that David de Gea will remain the No. 1 custodian for the following year. There is disagreement over whether he merits a new contract. Here are five capable goalkeepers that might take David de Gea’s job.
#3 Bart Verbruggen
According to the Manchester Evening News, Bart Verbruggen stated in a recent interview that playing with the ball at his feet is his greatest strength. For a young custodian, this bravery and confidence are astounding.
Verbruggen, who is only 20 years old, is close to perfecting the sweeper-keeper position. Similar to David de Gea’s debut season with Atletico Madrid, this breakout campaign with Anderlecht in the league has been impressive. Throughout the season, he showed off his passing range and distribution, which helped the team’s style of play against pressing opponents immensely.
Despite being relatively young, he enjoys the manager’s confidence and his skills are clear to all. This season, Verbruggen played 37 games and recorded 13 shutouts across all competitions. Manchester United is one of the several European clubs actively pursuing Verbruggen.
He was even called up to the national squad in March as a result of his performances. His ability might advance if he played for Ten Hag as David de Gea’s replacement.
#2 David Raya
The international player for Spain, David Raya, has already made some of David de Gea’s limited contributions to the setup of the national team. De Gea was left out because former Spanish national team coach Luis Enrique preferred inviting keepers with good footwork. Under the current coach Luis de la Fuente, this pattern has persisted.
While playing for Brentford, Raya has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the English Premier League. Brentford’s direct style of play has profited significantly from his quick thinking. He is the perfect fit for Ten Hag’s style of play since he is constantly ready to receive the ball.
Raya is without a doubt one of the league’s greatest decision-makers, and his coolness under pressure allows him to transfer the ball efficiently. His shot-stopping abilities are also top-notch, and his background allows him to move from a mid-table club to Manchester United with ease.
The Spaniard had the greatest save % (77), surpassing players like Alisson and Bernd Leno, and recorded a league-high 154 saves. Now seems to be the ideal time to secure a deal because his contract is set to expire in 2024.
#1 Diego Costa
One of the most talked-about signings is Diego Costa, with teams vying to meet his £66 million release clause. He is currently the No. 1 goalkeeper for his country and has been Porto’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past two years at just 23 years old.
Manchester United and other clubs have expressed interest in him since he rose through the levels of the Portuguese club. According to statistics, his shot-stopping skills suggest that he is a top-tier player who is prepared to play frequently on the largest platform.
It’s amazing to watch him play the ball with both feet so confidently. He has great awareness of his goal area for a young keeper. Costa also made a stunning 1137 passes in the 2022–23 Primeira Liga season, despite Porto losing in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Costa appears to be the best choice to take the role of David de Gea as Ten Hag’s reign has officially begun. It’s critical to close this deal as soon as possible because Manchester United hopes to keep him for at least another ten years.
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