Manchester United’s David De Gea today celebrated his 24th birthday, which is a remarkably young age for a keeper of high quality. There were question marks over the young Spaniard when he began his United career, eventually stepping in to the enormous shoes left by Edwin van der Sar. One of the main criticisms people had of him was his over-reliance on the use of his feet. There’s little point in having a goalkeeper who can’t use his hands.
But, in the 2012/13 Premier League season, at the age of 22, De Gea won the league title and claimed a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Van der Sar himself said that De Gea was an integral part of the league win, and the Spaniard has continued to improve. Is he the best keeper in the world? Some fans seem to think so.
Here are some birthday wishes from United fans to De Gea:
David de Gea the best goalkeeper in the world. pic.twitter.com/5aJLY5j2wO
— Genius (@GeniusMUFC) November 7, 2014
Happy 24th Birthday to one of the best goalkeepers in the world. David de Gea. Incredible player! https://t.co/KYtNVKh0P0
— Devils of United (@DevilsOfUnited) November 7, 2014
Happy birthday to the best goalkeeper in the #PremierLeague @D_De Gea. pic.twitter.com/htpP8rRqQZ
— Kymani (@dhinds819) November 7, 2014
Happy 24th Birthday to the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, David de Gea! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dcAagYbwrq
— United Photos (@MufcDevilPhotos) November 7, 2014
Happy Birthday David de Gea 24 years old and already one of the best keepers in the world pic.twitter.com/k7ueUroG1k
— Totally Man Utd™ (@TotallyMUFC) November 7, 2014
Happy Birthday to arguably the best young goalkeeper in the world “David De Gea”
— Ibrahim Gidado (@Gidadojegawa) November 7, 2014
@D_DeGea Happy 24th Birthday to one of the best goalkeepers in the world. David de Gea. Incredible player!
— Deepak (@allurideep) November 7, 2014
Six seconds of brilliance from birthday boy David De Gea. #davesaves https://t.co/nx8O5LOSgk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 7, 2014
Mata free-kick saved by De Gea in Stamford bridge. Best free-kick save I’ve ever seen!! pic.twitter.com/7n7fLQtt5T
— Mdungeknowsbest (@sphiwe_mdunge) November 7, 2014
Happy 24th Birthday to David De Gea. One of the best goalkeepers in the world at this moment in time.
— M-õ-h-$in (@mohsinkshah) November 7, 2014