Gary Neville names David De Gea’s ‘biggest change’ at Man United
The Man United legend is impressed with David De Gea's improved physicality
Gary Neville has praised Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea for improving his physicality at Old Trafford.
The Spain international has been talked up as one of the best goalkeepers in the world over the past two or three seasons.
De Gea made a slow start to his Manchester United career following an £18m move from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in 2011.
The Red Devils star was often criticised for his lack of presence when it came to claiming crosses and defending set-pieces.
However, De Gea started to make improvements in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge in 2012-13.
The Spanish goalkeeper was Ferguson’s first-choice option in goal as Manchester United won the Premier League title.
De Gea has won the club’s player of the year in three of the past four seasons under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
Former Manchester United defender Neville spoke about the biggest change that De Gea has made since his early years at Old Trafford.
“The biggest change for him is the physicality,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He can come out into a crowded are and he’ll catch it or he’ll punch it.
“He’s adapted to the physicality of the league and now he’s not a weakness when the ball comes into the box. He’s always made fantastic reaction saves but now he can deal with what you need to in the Premier League.
“I’d be confident of playing with him now, whereas in the first two years I wasn’t.”
De Gea was powerless to prevent Manchester United losing 2-1 to Premier League leaders Manchester City earlier this month before back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and West Brom.
The Man United number one made five saves but David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi managed to beat De Gea in the derby clash.
