David De Gea reveals the best players in various categories he has played with and against
Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea, has revealed the names of players he considers the best in various categories. In an interview with Manchester United’s official website, the Spanish goalkeeper picked a player he has played with and a player he has played against, in accordance with the attributes.
We take a look at De Gea’s choices ranging from fastest player to the best finisher he has played with and against.
Fastest Player with: Antonio Valencia
David De Gea chose Antonio Valencia as the fastest player he has played with. Valencia is the fastest footballer according to a FIFA study which featured in Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. He was recorded running at a speed clocking 35.1 km/hr.
Surprisingly, the Ecuadorian is faster than the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are renowned worldwide for their speed with and without the ball. Due to his astonishing speed, Valencia has been used as a wing back by Louis Van Gaal various times during his reign at Old Trafford.
Fastest Player against: Gareth Bale
When asked who is the fastest player he has played against, De Gea said, “That’s a tough one, but I think it's Gareth Bale.” Statistically speaking, Bale is the second fastest player after Valencia, so we can say that the Spaniard has got his choices right here.
De Gea has not seen much of Gareth Bale, though. He has played a couple of matches against the Welsh star when he was at Tottenham. Bale failed to score in any of the meetings. So, it is fair to say that De Gea has happy memories of the fastest player he has played against.
Fittest Player with: Rafael
David De Gea named his ex-Manchester United teammate Rafael as the fittest player he has played with. Rafael played at right back for United during Sir Alex’s last years at the club.
“Rafa is the fittest because he has the most stamina,” De Gea said. Rafael started the maximum number of matches after Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie in Sir Alex’s last season. He also completed full 90 minutes in most of the matches, which clearly shows how fit the Brazilian can be.
Rafael left Manchester United for Lyon this summer and it was revealed that he was allowed to leave Old Trafford because Louis van Gaal did not like him.
Fittest Player against: Cesar Azpilicueta
De Gea picked his Spanish teammate and Chelsea player Cesar Azpilicueta as the fittest player he has faced. Azpilicueta is just about the perfect full-back for modern day football. He has the pace to match that of the wingers and is equally strong to tussle with the forwards. Playing on the left with Chelsea, he brings an all new dimension to the attack as well with his never ending stamina.
Azpilicueta and De Gea are yet to face each other this season with Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford after Christmas.
Toughest Tackler with: Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs
Shockingly, De Gea picked Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes as the toughest tacklers he as played with. Normally, one does not consider Scholes and Giggs as great tacklers of the ball. The Spaniard has played with defenders such as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand who were widely considered to be some of the best tacklers of the ball around.
But, he chose to pick the United legends, saying, “It'd be Scholes or Giggs. Both went in hard!"
Toughest Tackler against: No one specific
The Spaniard did not name anyone as the toughest tackler who has played against him. He argued that goalkeepers don’t get tackled so it is hard for him to take any names.
He said, “I don’t know. Keepers don't often get tackled!”