Manchester United’s Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea believes that he has gained quite a lot of authority and influence in United’s side now compared to his earlier years.
The former Atletico Madrid custodian has been in fine fettle for the Old Trafford club this season, conceding less than a goal per game and rescuing Louis van Gaal’s side on umpteen occasions.
De Gea believes he gaining authority in dressing room
Speaking to the club’s official matchday magazine, the Spaniard spoke about how his influence at the club has gradually grown over the years at the club.
De Gea says he has "been here for a good while now" and since he arrived in 2011, "lots of new faces" have joined the side, as well as "quite a few youngsters."
"The more years you are here and the more games you play in," says De Gea, "you gradually gain more influence and authority within the group."
The 25-year-old likes "being able to marshal [his] defence and the players around" him in order to make them "feel calm and relaxed with [him] right behind them."
De Gea also spoke about United’s improved defensive record and stressed on how important a strong backline is for a team to achieve success.
Spanish 'keeper joined in 2011
De Gea believes United "are defending better than we did last season" and thinks that is "vital for a team: to not concede many goals and to have a strong defence."
“We know we have some top quality players up front and that we will score goals," said De Gea, in an interview with United Review. "The most important thing for a good side is to have a solid base at the back.”
The Spaniard believes that the club’s ouster from the Champions League is disappointing but they will go into the Eurpoa League with the intention of winning the competition.
“It's an enjoyable competition to play in”, De Gea said of the Europa League.
“Naturally I have great memories of when I won in the final [with his boyhood club Atletico Madrid in 2010]. But this is Manchester United and while we've been knocked out of the Champions League, we are now in another competition and we will be trying to win it in just the same way.”