The best 30 players at the World Cup
By James Dudko
8. David de Gea, goalkeeper, Spain
It’s not enough for Spain to have the most creative midfield at the tournament. La Roja are also boosted by the presence of David de Gea between the posts.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has matured into a stopper without equal in the modern game. His reflexes were always sharp and swift, but de Gea has learned how to command his box and deal with an aerial barrage during his time amid the rough and tumble of the Premier League.
Along the way, de Gea has made the spectacular look routine. In one-on-one situations, as well as dealing with snap shots at close quarters, it’s safer to back Spain’s No. 1 rather than the attacker.
Like most of the top stars set feature in Russia, de Gea will enter the competition in top form. He is coming off a season during which he kept the most clean sheets in England’s top flight.
If de Gea is as steady as he is for United, Spain will have the secure platform their artful forward players need to push the nation further into the mix for the trophy.