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4. David De Gea
Following a disappointing start to his Manchester United career in his debut season, which saw him getting a lot of stick for not being physical and imposing enough in his own penalty box, 2013 saw De Gea turn over a new leaf in his Manchester United career.
Towards the end of 2012, he was already starting to show that he had what it takes to succeed at United, following crucial saves in the games against City and Sunderland. De Gea came into the New Year, high on confidence and looking like he was worth every penny of the £17.8 m that was spent on him the previous season.
His performance against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of the last-16 was one of his finest till date, as the Spaniard managed to make save after save and keep his side in the contest. Following his exploits in the Champions League, he went onto keep three-straight clean sheets in the League and ended the season as an integral part of United’s 20th League title. His performances was there for all to see and it was no surprise to seem him being voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Season.
This season, he has only continued from where he left off and has made several crucial saves and his levels of concentration, have been nothing short of exemplary.
Although he doesn’t have many clean sheets to his name this time around, his performances has seen his stock rise and rise, and it won’t be too long before he becomes one of the best keepers that the world has ever seen. And whilst there was no doubts about his shot-stopping ability, 2013 was the year in which he took charge of his defense, came out for crosses and showed the world that he can take a hit on the chin, but still come back for more.
