During his ‘With and Against’ interview with ManUtd.com, David De Gea has revealed who he thinks are the quickest, the fittest and who is the best striker out of all of the players who he has played with and against.
Fittest player that De Gea’s played with – Rafael Da Silva
“Rafa is the fittest because he has the most stamina.”
Rafael was recently sold to Olimpique Lyonnais but the Brazilian right back was well known for he speed and energy on match day. He was also known for his rash tackles but he certainly possessed a lot of stamina.
Fittest player that De Gea’s played against – César Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s Spanish left back covered 9.66 km in their UEFA Champions League game against Maccabi Tel Aviv but, both Cesc Fabregas and Loïc Rémy covered more distance than Azpilicueta.
Toughest tackler that De Gea’s played with – Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes
“It’d be Scholes or Giggs. Both went in hard!”
Both Manchester United legends, both old school tacklers. The pair amassed 190 bookings and 9 sending offs during their illustrious careers. Of course, all of the red cards or second yellows were given to Paul Scholes.
Toughest tackler that De Gea’s played against – No one
“I don’t know… keepers don’t often get tackled!”
I think the Spaniard needs to get himself down to a Sunday league match, then he’ll see some keepers taking some tough tackles. I don’t mind him coming down and playing for us one weekend.
Best passer that De Gea’s played with – Paul Scholes
Scholsey is known throughout world football to have been one of the greatest passers of all time. Even Xavi Hernández, once of Barcelona, who is well known for his passing ability, says that the Englishman was incredible on the ball:
“Paul Scholes is a role model. For me – and I really mean this – he’s the best central midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15, 20 years.”
“I’ve spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He’s spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he’s strong, he doesn’t lose the ball, vision. If he’d been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.”
Best passer that De Gea’s played against – Xabi Alonso
Cited above by Xavi for his opinion on a fellow top midfielder, Alonso has proven his passing ability in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and, in the World Cup finals.
Fastest player that De Gea’s played with – Antonio Valencia
A FIFA study, in May this year, proved that Manchester United’s reformed right back Antonio Valencia is the fastest footballer in the world. He was clocked in at an incredible 35.1 km/h.
Fastest player that De Gea’s played against – Gareth Bale
David De Gea voted the Welshman as the quickest player he’s opposed, and according to that same FIFA study, he’s absolutely right. Bale came in second on the study, managing to reach 34.7 km/h.
Finest finisher that De Gea’s played with – Javier Hernández
“My great friend Chicharito.”
The Mexican striker was somewhat of a super sub at Manchester United in his first season. He seemed to be able to score very late in the game, with any part of his body. A particular favourite goal of his was a backwards header to give Manchester United the win against Stoke.
Finest finisher that De Gea’s played against – Samuel Eto’o
“It’s hard, there are so many… I’ll say Samuel Eto’o.”
There are few better choices for David De Gea here than Super Samuel Eto’o. Despite Eto’o being 34, the legendary Cameroonian still posses a lot of his blistering pace and his incredible eye for goal. Even now, in his waning years, he’s scored 5 goals in 7 games for his new club Antalyaspor, of the Turkish Süper Lig.
