Sweden 1-1 Spain: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | European Qualifiers 2019/20

#4 David de Gea encounters an obstacle on his road to redemption

David de Gea

Over the past couple of years, David de Gea has divided an enormous amount of opinion in Spain. While the Spaniard has been scintillating for his club, he hasn’t always translated that on the international front. Last summer, those clamours reached a crescendo after the goalkeeper’s sub-standard showing in Russia.

Consequently, De Gea lost his spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Chelsea stopper being preferred in the European qualifiers. However, the latter committed an untimely error against Norway, meaning that the former was recalled into the starting eleven in Stockholm.

The United keeper started off superbly on Tuesday and pulled off a string of fine saves. Moreover, he was a tad unfortunate to concede Sweden’s opener, especially considering the exceptional double-save he made before the goal.

However, a few moments later, De Gea went down clutching his groin and subsequently, hobbled off, thereby making way for Kepa.

Hence, one couldn’t help but feel sorry for the United keeper, in light of how he had been able to silence a few of his doubters in an astonishing first half. After all, the encounter against Sweden could’ve been the day when De Gea repaid the faith the Spanish side had shown in him.

Yet, unfortunately, it went rather pear-shaped. More interestingly though, his injury also caused more than a furrowed brow or two in Manchester.

At the weekend, the Red Devils are slated to clash with Liverpool. And, they would rather have the Spaniard fit and in form against the pace-setting Reds. Else, their season could just go further downhill.