I'm the new Schmeichel! £17.8m De Gea insists he can emulate United's Great Dane
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:47 AM on 8th February 2012
David de Gea is determined to become a Manchester United legend like Peter Schmeichel after finally starting to live up to his billing.
De Gea has had his critics since arriving at Old Trafford last summer and the 21-year-old lost his place to Anders Lindegaard.
He is back in Sir Alex Ferguson's side following an injury to Dane Lindergaard and De Gea stepped up to the mark by capping a fine performance in the draw against Chelsea with a superb late save.
No 1: David De Gea looked more like a Manchester United keeper at Chelsea
De Gea said: 'Peter Schmeichel was legendary and a role model for any keeper.
'I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United.
'I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history.'
Schmeichel ruled the penalty box during his time with the Red Devils and De Gea's doubters have pointed out he does not have the same physical presence.
It is not something the former Atletico Madrid stopper is worried about.
He added: 'I think it is fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world.
What a save: De Gea dived across his goal to keep out Juan Mata's late effort
'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.
Legend: Peter Schmeichel is idolised by United supporters after a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford between 1991 and 1999
'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.'
The Spaniard hasn't always looked confident but he insists any errors have made him stronger.
He said: 'Let’s face it, all goalkeepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do. Errors happen but I’ve gone on to be more confident in myself.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2098105/David-De-Gea-insists-emulate-Peter-Schmeichel.html#ixzz1lnGt8Vgz
No comments:
Post a Comment