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The probable list for Spain’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is out and there is one big name missing from the list. Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea, did not make the cut and it has caused an uproar.
Patrice Evra is one of the prominent critics to come to the 31-year-old’s aid. The retired defender shared that he was shocked at the decision to omit the shot-stopper from the probable list.
The Frenchman is well versed in the quality De Gea brings to the team as he captained him for three years at Old Trafford. However, he opined that such a snub was not out of the blue and his former teammate would have been apprised of the situation beforehand.
“I’m in shock at Luis Enrique’s decision to leave David de Gea out of his World Cup squad,” Evra told Betfair.
“I had to double-check to see if it was real! I will be honest, I think this is an issue off the pitch. Enrique has a strong personality.
“OK, De Gea has conceded some goals with Spain, but to take him out of the squad, an experienced player like that?
“I have been a player, I know how it works and things happen behind the scenes. I am sure he and Enrique have had a discussion and De Gea maybe did not accept what Enrique wanted for him. Who knows if it is Enrique’s or De Gea’s decision? We will never know.”
Enrique’s mould is defined
It looks likely that the Spain boss had a prior conversation about his plans with the Red Devils’ number 1. Enrique has been vocal in his assessment of the goalkeeping options at his disposal.
These statements were made ahead of horror showings by De Gea at the start of the campaign. Unai Simon and Kepa Arrizabalaga have gone from strength to strength in this period, with the former Atletico goalkeeper lagging behind.
“I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them,” Enrique said back in June.
“Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting. Unai has accumulated some interesting experience,” he added. “A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
“I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot.”
Ten Hag’s assessment of ‘magnificent’ De Gea
While Enrique has not changed his mind about De Gea, Erik ten Hag has reversed his opinion about him. The Dutchman openly criticised him for his howlers in the early stages of the campaign.
Ten Hag hailed his number 1’s recent performances in the goal and believes he is an all-around presence.
“Everyone has his own opinion but for me, the first thing for a goalkeeper is to protect the goal and make sure you don’t concede goals,” he said. “In that fact he is magnificent.
“But with the feet he has capabilities as well. That is not only with the keeper but also with the one in front and what options you give to bring passes in.
“I am convinced he can do it. The games so far he proved it.”
Praise from Ten Hag has come at the right time as De Gea looks to sort out his future. The 45-time capped Spanish international is coming to the end of his contract with the Red Devils and is locked in negotiations.
United wanted him to take a pay cut for an extension and it seems a compromise has been made in this regard. Ink has not been put to paper yet but the positive news coming would be assuring to fans who have seen the Madrid native become a mainstay at Old Trafford.
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