Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea took just 10 minutes to emphatically silence his doubters in Spain’s Euro 2016 showdown with Italy this evening.
A poll conducted by Marca, cited in the International Business Times, found that 72% of Spain fans wanted De Gea dropped for the clash of the European heavyweights.
The 25-year-old was culpable for Ivan Perisic’s late winner in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia, beaten at his near post to condemn Spain to such a difficult last-16 opponent.
But Vicente del Bosque kept faith with the Red Devils stopper, and he rewarded his manager with two outstanding saves in the opening moments of the game.
Firstly, De Gea showed great reflexes to get down low and strongly parry a header from Southampton striker Graziano Pelle away from goal, and clear of danger.
Again De Gea with a brilliant save. #MUFC https://t.co/ps3IUabJfv
— Red Related (@RedRelated) June 27, 2016
And he was called into action again immediately, making a similar save from Emanuele Giaccherini’s overhead. He tipped the ball onto the post despite the distraction of Gerard Pique on the goal-line.
Yet another save! @D_DeGea is on#EURO2016 #ITAESP #italyvsspain #greatsave pic.twitter.com/qspq3TZ89J
— Meng (@Meng2010) June 27, 2016
These are the type of saves that we are accustomed to seeing De Gea make on a weekly basis for United. He has established himself as probably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Maybe they will finally help Spain fans accept that it is time to move on from Iker Casillas.
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