David De Gea has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world over his illustrious career. With remarkable reflexes, sharp shot-stopping abilities, and exceptional consistency, the Spanish goalkeeper has earned a reputation that makes him a true legend in football. In this article, we will explore his career stats and achievements to understand just why he is so highly regarded in the world of football.

Early Years and Arrival at Manchester United

David De Gea’s football journey began in Spain, where he was born in Madrid in 1990. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of Atletico Madrid’s youth system. De Gea made his professional debut for Atletico Madrid in 2009, and by 2011, he was already a rising star. His impressive performances caught the eye of top clubs, and Manchester United secured his signature in 2011 for a transfer fee of £18.9 million, a record for a goalkeeper at the time.

Manchester United Career: Key Stats

Appearances and Clean Sheets

De Gea’s career at Manchester United has been marked by consistency and resilience. As of January 2025, he has made over 500 appearances for the club in all competitions, a remarkable feat for any player. His first season with Manchester United saw him face criticism, but over the years, he proved his worth by becoming the club’s most reliable and skilled goalkeeper.

De Gea has kept over 180 clean sheets for Manchester United across all competitions, cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s most decorated goalkeepers. His ability to perform in high-pressure moments, whether in league matches, domestic cups, or international competitions, has made him indispensable to the team.

Shot-Stopping and Save Percentage

One of De Gea’s standout attributes is his incredible shot-stopping ability. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and agility, he has saved countless attempts that most goalkeepers would struggle with. Over the years, he has maintained a save percentage that places him among the top goalkeepers in Europe. On average, De Gea has saved roughly 75-80% of the shots he faces in the Premier League.

His reflexes and quick decision-making in one-on-one situations are second to none, allowing him to stop shots from close range with ease. Moreover, his ability to adjust mid-flight has resulted in numerous awe-inspiring saves.

Premier League Stats

In the Premier League, De Gea has been an integral part of Manchester United’s success. He has made over 300 appearances in the league, regularly ranking among the top goalkeepers for clean sheets, saves, and overall impact. His performances in high-profile matches have often been the difference-maker for Manchester United, earning him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League era.

De Gea has been named Manchester United’s Player of the Year four times (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018), underlining his significance to the team and his consistent excellence. In 2018, he was awarded the Premier League’s Golden Glove for the most clean sheets in the season, a testament to his shot-stopping prowess.

International Career: Stats for Spain

On the international stage, De Gea has also played a crucial role in Spain’s national team. He made his senior debut for La Roja in 2014 and has since been a staple in Spain’s goalkeeping lineup. He has represented Spain in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups.

As of January 2025, De Gea has earned over 50 caps for Spain, becoming one of the key players in their squad. His performances in international tournaments, particularly his vital saves during penalty shootouts and knockout rounds, have enhanced his reputation as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.

Playing Style and Skills

De Gea is known for his incredible reflexes and ability to stop shots from various distances. His agility allows him to cover large areas of the goal in a short amount of time, making him a nightmare for opposing strikers. Additionally, his aerial ability and command of his penalty box are notable, even though he is not the tallest goalkeeper.

One of his more underrated skills is his distribution. While not typically known for his ability to play out from the back, De Gea has developed a solid range of passing over the years. He is adept at delivering accurate long balls and quick throws to launch counter-attacks for Manchester United.

Awards and Recognition

De Gea has been recognized with numerous individual awards throughout his career. He has been named in the PFA Team of the Year multiple times and is frequently included in the Premier League’s “Team of the Season” lineup. Additionally, his performances have seen him receive praise from football pundits, former players, and managers alike.

In 2018, De Gea won the prestigious UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year award, further solidifying his position as one of the best in the business. He has also been included in the FIFPro World XI, an honor that recognizes the world’s best players.

FAQs

How many appearances has David De Gea made for Manchester United?

As of January 2025, David De Gea has made over 500 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions. This includes games in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and European competitions, making him one of the club’s most loyal and long-serving players.

How many clean sheets has De Gea kept for Manchester United?

David De Gea has recorded over 180 clean sheets for Manchester United. His shot-stopping ability has been instrumental in his clean sheet tally, cementing his place as one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history.

What is David De Gea’s save percentage?

Throughout his career, De Gea has maintained a save percentage of around 75-80% in the Premier League. His ability to stop shots, particularly from close range, has been one of his standout features, often making crucial saves to keep his team in matches.

How many caps has De Gea earned for Spain?

David De Gea has earned over 50 caps for Spain since making his senior debut in 2014. He has represented La Roja in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup, playing a key role in Spain’s defense.

To Conclude

David De Gea’s career is one defined by extraordinary consistency, incredible reflexes, and unparalleled shot-stopping ability. His statistics speak volumes about his impact on the pitch, both for Manchester United and for Spain. As he continues to add to his legacy, De Gea’s place among the all-time greats of goalkeeping seems firmly secured. 

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