Former Manchester United keeper Ricardo hails ‘nerveless’ David De Gea & insists he is good enough to succeed Edwin van der Sar

David De Gea, Atletico de Madrid (Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo has praised the abilities of Atletico Madrid youngster David De Gea and backed him to become a big success if he completes a move to Old Trafford.

De Gea is widely expected to join the Premier League champions this summer after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed United are close to agreeing a deal for the 20-year-old.

The young Spaniard’s consistently eyecatching displays in La Liga have seen him jump to the top of the list of candidates to succeed the retiring Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford, with United thought to be willing to meet his release clause of £17.5 million.

Veteran keeper Ricardo, now with Osasuna, is impressed with the confidence and talent exhibited by De Gea, and believes the 20-year-old would prove a worthy successor to United’s legendary Dutchman.

“De Gea doesn’t have nerves,” he told reporters. “Spain has produced the best goalkeepers in the world like Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina, Cesar – and now De Gea.

“I’m convinced that De Gea is good enough to play for Manchester United. He’s big, quick and his concentration is at a high level throughout the game. He’s comfortable with high balls and is very confident despite being so young.

“He does not worry when he plays against Barcelona or Real Madrid. That is a good sign because some goalkeepers become nervous when they play in front of big crowds in the biggest stadiums like Old Trafford. There are very few goalkeepers who can deal with that.

“Some goalkeepers need to feel the confidence of the manager. De Gea is the type of goalkeeper who can give the manager confidence.”