United's Spanish keeper De Gea needs a bit of British beef
By Ian Ladyman
Last updated at 10:48 PM on 1st March 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea needs to bulk up if he wants to become the complete Barclays Premier League goalkeeper.
At 21 years old, De Gea has struggled to make the transition from Spain’s La Liga to the English game, especially when it comes to dealing with high balls into the penalty area.
Beef up: United keeper David de Gea
Several experts have suggested his relatively slight frame has made it easy for him to be knocked around and now United boss Ferguson has revealed that conditioning staff are working hard with him in the gym.
Ferguson said: ‘The boy has got talent. He’s lightning quick but has just found it difficult to adjust to some parts of the game here.
‘It’s a matter of developing his frame. He’s doing a lot of work in the gym.
‘If we can get maybe a stone on him without losing his flexibility or speed it would be a great boost to him.’
De Gea’s ability as a shot-stopper is not in doubt. Just last Sunday at Norwich the former Atletico Madrid keeper made a handful of impressive saves to help United clinch a 2-1 win. In the air, though, he is vulnerable.
De Gea lost his place in January to another recent signing, Anders Lindegaard, but an injury to the Dane has left the way clear for his clubmate to enjoy a run of games that has undoubtedly seen him improve.
Problem: De Gea has struggled to deal with crosses
The Spain international will be in goal at White Hart Lane on Sunday as United endeavour to overcome another difficult opponent away from home.
Defender Chris Smalling has been released from hospital after suffering a head injury playing for England against Holland on Wednesday but will not be considered for the Tottenham game.
Wayne Rooney, though, is over the sore throat that has sidelined him for two weeks and even Michael Owen declared himself fit on Twitter yesterday after his latest spell out of action.
Ferguson is upbeat as he tries to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.
The United manager added: ‘Wayne has hit the 21-goal mark and I’m delighted to see him among the goals because he feeds on confidence. I’m sure he will continue to set the pace for the other strikers.
‘Danny Welbeck is nearly in double figures, and Javier Hernandez is getting the feel of scoring again after injury knocked him off balance for a spell. I’m also pleased with the spread of our goals, with 17 different players now on the first-team scoresheet.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2108883/United-keeper-David-Gea-ordered-beef-up.html#ixzz1nulSEkeB
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