David de Gea says his fine performances for Manchester United have earned him more respect in England than he receives back home in Spain.
The Spanish goalkeeper has made 306 appearances in all competitions since joining United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, winning four major trophies during his time in England.
De Gea was part of the Spain Under-21 sides that won the European Championships in 2011 and 2013, but he is yet to win major honours with his country at senior level. NaijaBet.com
Despite being regularly linked with a return to Spain, the 27-year-old doesn’t believe he is appreciated as much in his homeland.
“In England, I have a great affection and respect that I do not notice so much here,” he said in a press conference this week, as reported by Goal.
“But every time I come to the national team I feel fondness inside, and it is the most important thing.”
De Gea’s season in numbers
Premier League clean sheets 2017-18
De Gea has kept a clean sheet in exactly half of his 30 Premier League appearances so far this season. His 15 clean sheets are a league-high, at least three more than any other goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois is second with 12).
What’s more is that of goalkeepers who have made more than 20 Premier League appearances this season, De Gea has conceded fewer goals than anyone else (18). NaijaBet.com
Distribution is certainly something for the Spain No.1 to work on. He has a distribution accuracy rate of just 61% this term – that’s far less than many of his contemporaries, including top-six rivals Ederson (87%) and Hugo Lloris (77%).
