Atletico Madrid’s confident David De Gea can’t wait for Madrid derby

David De Gea, Atletico de Madrid, Barcelona (Getty Images)

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Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea cannot wait to square off against some of the world’s most feared attackers in La Liga’s much anticipated Madrid derby.

“It is an important event not only because it is against Real Madrid, but because they are three very important points that would get Atletico Madrid into the top. We cannot wait,” De Gea told AS.

Atleti currently occupy seventh place in the Primera Division with 39 points, alongside Sevilla. Second-placed Real Madrid have 70 points. Atleti will be hoping to stay in contention for next season’s Europa League.

“We know it is a match against Real Madrid and that our people are very excited. It is clear that more than three points are at stake,” said De Gea, who also shed light on his side’s approach to the game.

“We will stop the front foot of Madrid. In addition, we have Kun Aguera, Diego Forlan, Jose Antonio Reyes and together we can achieve victory. Thus, with the forwards we have it would be much easier to win; we can always create a goal.

De Gea predicted a very difficult game and warned his team-mates of the need to remain attentive for the entire 90 minutes.

De Gea’s fine performances for the capital club have attracted interest from a number of Europe’s elite sides, including Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has gone so far as to describe the rising star as Edwin van der Sar’s heir-apparent.

For now, however, De Gea is not worried about his future.

“I am focused on the game against Madrid and ending the league well. Once finished we’ll see.