Annoying for the opposition; A blessing for the team is Manchester United’s De Gea. 8 saves in the second-half, 11 in total! Such was the contribution of David De Gea in Manchester United’s game against Tottenham Hotspur. If it was not for De Gea, United would have lost the game and 3 points. Nevertheless, the Spaniard’s contribution kept Tottenham below par and won the game for United, bringing them up to level on points with Arsenal at 44.
Of those 44 points David De Gea has contributed the same or even more for the cause as Arsenal’s Aubameyang and Lacazette together. The Spaniard, although not in his top notch has produced eye-catching saves for the fans and attention fetching shot-stoppers for the oppositions.
WATCH: DAVID DE GEA’S OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE VS TOTTENHAM
The question remains, What David De Gea has done for United over the years and has been doing will be encored by Bernd Leno for Arsenal or not?
Bernd Leno, brought by Emery from Bayer Leverkusen has found his place in the playing XI, surpassing the likes of legendary keeper Cech, which is a testimony of excellence in itself. But has he done much after coming into the squad as to bring Arsenal where they stand?
Arsenal are second from bottom in keeping clean sheets, one above bottom-table placed Fulham. And not much has Bernd Leno done to raise his team higher, like his defenders. The defence of Manchester United and Arsenal are equally impotent, yet United have been savored by the great shot-stopper of all time De Gea.
For sure, Bernd Leno has the talent and temperament to become an Arsenal great but has to definitely work hard or catching long crosses and saving close range shots. This is what De Gea has been doing over the years, declining the shots of opponents’ from close range. The best attribute that the German possesses is his calmness under pressure. A fan of Casillas, Bernd Leno has always looked upon the Spanish great and tried to inculcate the same clam mature within himself.
WATCH: BERND LENO VS DAVID DE GEA
Praising the goalkeeper, his former team mate Daniel Vier said to Sky Sports, ”He was a really special goalkeeper, In his first training session with us, we looked at him and said, ‘Where did this guy come from?’ He was saving every ball that came at him and he was a really calm person as well. To be so calm at that age with experienced players around him was very impressive to see.”
Bernd Leno joined the Gunners as a Bundesliga great with almost 400 senior matches under his belt, but is yet to prove his presence in the Red Shirt. His willingness to put the body in line is purely visible but his ability to stop close range shots is a rarity.
Unai Emery and Arsenal need to brush up the German’s technique and make him capable of standing in front of David De Gea, Manual Neur, Ter Stegen and Alisson Becker.
Talking about capabilities – he sure is capable, now its just about the hard work he puts in and most importantly about the backing he gets from the men covering him. Over the last couple of years, Arsenal are showcasing some poor defensive performances with the couple of men ahead of the last line responsible for the same – now its about getting the foot right.
WATCH: BERND LENO DONNING ARSENAL BADGE
