Ben Foster: De Gea Is Messi Of Goalkeeping

By Danny Ward

Watford goalkeeper, Ben Foster, has described David De Gea as ‘the Messi of goalkeeping’, saying the Manchester United shot-stopper has unparalleled talent.

Fellaini put the ball in Roberto Pereyra’s path late in the first half with the scores at 2-0.

The Argentine forward set up Troy Deeney and the skipper, with a good sight to the goal, targeted a thunder strike at the top corner, but De Gea, standing in the middle of the post, palmed it away on a dive.

Christian Kabasele could have won a point for the hosts deep in injury when he got on the end of Will Hughes’ free kick with a header, but De Gea proved equal to it by diving to palm it out to keep the scores at 2-1.

“He’s the Messi of goalkeeping,” Ben Foster said of David De Gea. “He’s the most natural goalie, you will ever see. From what I hear, he’s not a great trainer. Training doesn’t do it for him.”

“But at 3 pm, the adrenaline rush: that’s what turns him on. That is something you really can’t teach. He’s got the game management, he knows what to do at any given time.”

The Spain national team goalkeeper made two great saves against Sevilla in the Champions League last season by diving to palm out Steven N’zonzi’s header, and pushing out Muriel’s close-range header.

“Most goalies would just close their eyes and hope for the best,” said the former Manchester United goalkeeper. “He just watched it all the way, kept his eyes on the ball, saved it, and just got up like it was nothing.”

“That’s the difference: being able to do stuff like that under pressure. Five yards out? Most goalies would have no chance.”